Hundreds of kites flew against the clear blue sky, as over 1,000 community members joined together for a fabulous afternoon in the sun. The event was Kites for a Cure 2012, now in its fifth year, and it was held to heighten everyones awareness about the fight against lung cancer.
Adults and children were thrilled to take part in the fun, uplifting afternoon benefiting Elliots Legacy Uniting against Lung Cancer. Elliots Legacy has set the precedent as the event of the summer. Many children are already looking forward to the next event.
Unfortunately, people are not aware that lung cancer is the number one cancer killer. Our objective is to make Dads legacy the cure for lung cancer. Reaching that goal would be a true tribute to Elliots Chalme, said his children.
The morning began with an energizing start. Over 70 women exercised, while enjoying the beautiful view of the seashore. The women were invigorated by an array of exercise classes with Michal Cheney.
The spectacular afternoon provided many activities for all to enjoy. There were carnival rides, face painting, a delicious barbecue, a childrens Chinese Auction, but by far, the most fun was the kite flying. Children colored and designed hundreds of kites delivering messages to loved ones. The weather proved to be both pleasurable and calming as the kites flew in the fresh air creating an exquisite site!
Elliots Legacy was founded in memory of Elliot Chalme AH, by his family and friends. Elliots warmhearted and congenial personality allowed him to cherish every moment of his life. He was a kite enthusiast, an avid cyclist, and a man who lived every moment of life to its fullest. Elliots smile radiated like the sun and he inspired young and old not to sweat the small stuff, as life is too precious. After a final bout with lung cancer, Elliot was taken from us at the early age of 56.
The mission statement for Elliots Legacy is to fight lung cancer and save lives by funding innovative research and increasing awareness of the worlds leading cancer killer. To date, Elliots Legacy has raised $1.7 million for United Against Lung Cancer and has provided funding for over 12 research grants. Elliots Legacy is now a leading resource in the search for new treatments and a cure for lung cancer.
However, the need for more research is extremely essential in finding a cure, and the stats dont lie.
Every two minutes, a person is diagnosed with lung cancer and 438 people die from the disease everyday.
Lung cancer kills more people than all other cancers combined.
Nearly twice as many women than men die from lung cancer, while over three times more men die of lung cancer than prostate cancer.
15% of non-smokers, 50% of former smokers, and 35% current smokers die from lung cancer.
One guest said, It gives my family such pleasure to support this worthy cause. This is one of the most anticipated events of the summer season and we are thrilled to attend it every year. I hope a cure is found soon.
Thank you to Ricky and Jamie Cohen for generously opening up their home. Many thanks to the dedicated committee: Renee Braha, Geri Chalme, Vanessa Chalme, Audrey Dweck, Robin Rosenthal, Mary Setton, Jamie Shamosh, Deborah Shiloach, Laura Tawil, and Shannon Wahba.
A special thank you to the young volunteers: Zack Beyda, Natalie Bibi, Raymond Braha, Rebecca Calvo, Elliot Chalme, Roslyn Chalme, Marcelle Cohen, Pauline Cohen, Margo Dweck, Terry Fouerte, Lillian Ishak, Joy Laniado, Micky Laniado, Estelle Saad, Marcelle Setton, Jeanie Shalom, Daniel Sitt, Jojo Tawil, and Rachel Wahba. Thank you to Shirley Serure and Robin Chalme, for supplying the photos.
Elliots wife, Robin, and his sons Raymond, Hy, and Richie were grateful for the amazing turnout for the day. For more information about Elliots Legacy please visit www.elliotslegacy.org.
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Randi Shomer is a mother of four children, a community member, and a freelance writer.
