Elliot Chalme A”H, was blessed with a beautiful family, one that continues to go above and beyond to honor his memory in an awe-inspiring display of love and generosity. His wife Robin, and their three sons, Ray, Hy, and Richie worked diligently with extended family and friends to make the day a success.
An event of kite flying and cheery faces served simultaneously to provide a day of fun in the sun and to raise awareness about lung cancer, a disease that causes one in three cancer related deaths in the United States.
With an organization known as UALC (Uniting Against Lung Cancer), the Elliot’s Legacy fundraiser gives a tremendous amount of financial support towards finding a cure. Lung cancer receives the lowest amount of funding each year, despite the fact that it surpasses most cancers in fatality amongst men and women, smokers and non-smokers.
“Unfortunately the statistics are not in our favor,” commented Ray Chalme. “It needs all of our combined efforts.” An average of 439 lung cancer patients pass away every day and at least one person is diagnosed every three minutes. The help provided by the Chalme family aiding others who suffer is nothing short of inspirational. The determination to make a difference, and succeed in doing so. was in itself something to be learned from the day’s activities. “An event like this teaches people how to give, and how to do so with joy,” said Ricky Cohen.
The tails of hundreds of kites blew in the air and happy faces of children beamed up at them, spools of thread in hand. There were face painting booths, cotton candy machines, carnival rides, and a most impressive, bouncy air filled slide. Kids ran back and forth, to different activities, on a picture perfect summer’s day. “I love everything—and the popcorn,” said Joe Shamosh between rides.
A broader scope of understanding of the threat posed by lung cancer was begotten through laughter and activity, something that would have made Elliot A”H, a family man to his core, smile with pride. “Fun was a priority,” commented Richie Chalme, Elliot’s son. “We wanted the day to be for the kids, because that’s what Dad was all about.”
Flying kites to raise awareness was something started by the UALC in South Hampton, Long Island. The Chalme family took this idea to its fullest by making it an event in Deal, New Jersey. “My husband enjoyed flying kites,” commented Robin Chalme. “All the happy faces are enjoying this with me. I love seeing the kites in the air.” Each kite was decorated by kids who eagerly launched them; every aspect of the day embodied the legacy of Elliot Chalme A”H. The kites and the air surrounding represent a deep felt wish for lung cancer patients to one day breathe freely.
Like all community events, the day would not have been possible without the help of generous friends and family. “Special thanks must be given to my amazing committee,” added Robin. “Jamie Shamosh, Deborah Sheloah, Mary Setton, Adelaide Khezrie, Geri and Vanessa Chalme, Cookie Cohen, Shannon Wahbah, Robin Rosenthal, Vicky Hoffstein, and Nicole Dweck—we couldn’t have done it without you.”
The Fourth Annual Elliot’s Legacy, Kites for a Cure fundraiser was a huge success. The community as a whole is more aware of the seriousness of lung cancer, and the kids can’t wait to do it again. In every way, the Chalme family accomplished their goals, and the road to finding a cure is being paved with their efforts. “We can make a difference for those who suffer with lung cancer,” added Ray Chalme, “we’re constantly working towards a brighter future.”
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Sally Mizrachi recently graduated from the Yeshivah of Flatbush. She will be attending Hunter College in the fall. She is currently an intern at IMAGE Magazine.
