Kites For a Cure

Recently, the Elliot’s Legacy/Uniting Against Lung Cancer family carnival worked to elevate awareness in the fight against lung cancer. This third annual event drew over 1,000 community members of all ages.

The carnival has become a much anticipated event for children of all ages. Hundreds of children colored and designed kites that delivered messages to loved ones. When looking at the large array of kites in the sky, one couldn’t help but be amazed at the impressive turnout from the community to help fight for a cure for cancer. The smiles on the children’s faces as they enjoyed flying their kites with their friends and family were priceless.

Elliot’s Legacy was founded in memory of Elliot Chalme A”H, by his family and friends. Elliot had a natural ability to touch people’s lives with a great one-liner and a charismatic smile. His zest for life allowed him to cherish every moment and live like he was forever young. Sadly, Elliot passed away from lung cancer in January 2006 at the young age of 56.

Elliot was a stunt kite flyer. He loved viewing kites fly in the open, fresh air. Watching the kite fly in the air is compared to taking a breath of fresh air, open and free. The concept of the day clearly leads to the need to find a cure for this disease that kills more people than all cancers combined.

The organization Elliot’s Legacy aims to fight lung cancer and save lives by funding innovative research and increasing awareness. By awarding more than $6 million to top researchers around the country, Elliot’s Legacy is now a leading force in the search for new treatments and a cure for lung cancer.

The outpourings of support and contributions to Elliot’s Legacy have helped secure six research grants, with two more on the way. Through its Research Grant Program, Elliot’s Legacy supports the development of new, vital, and compelling research initiatives. By visiting www.elliotslegacy.org, you can sponsor Research by the Hour, which allows donors to sponsor an hour or more of research time and make a difference in curing lung cancer.

The need for more research is extremely essential. Every three minutes, another person is diagnosed with lung cancer. And lung cancer is affecting more and more women who are non-smokers each year.

At the carnival, Elliot’s son Raymond, board member of Uniting Against Lung Cancer, spoke of enforcing the need for more research. He also reminded those who attended of how much this deadly disease affects our community.

Most importantly, the successful turnout raised awareness and much needed funds for research. Every dollar raised was allocated to the proper researchers, who then get approval from the medical board to get the approval of top doctors in this field.

“The Chalme family would like thank everyone for being here on this very special and emotional day. While we are all smiles on this joyous day, we are trying to have a positive influence on a disease that kills too many. We need to find a cure to make a difference in our community and the world at large,” Raymond said.

Elliot’s Legacy has set the precedent as one of the summer’s most exciting events, and many children who attended are anticipating attending next year. Elliot’s wife, Robin, and his sons Raymond, Hy, and Richie were grateful for the remarkable turnout for the day.

Many thanks go out to Uniting Against Lung Cancer and to the day’s many volunteers: Jaime Shamosh, Frieda Shama, Laura Tawil, Renee Braha, Shannon Wahba, Robin, Rosenthal, Deborah Shiloach, Eileen Missry, Cookie Cohen, Mary Setton, Vanessa Chalme, Geri Chalme and Estelle Chalme. Thanks also go to Morris Gindi for taking pictures.

For more information about Elliot’s Legacy please visit www.elliotslegacy.org.
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Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children, and a freelance writer.