Over 1,400 community members turned out, recently, to unite and fight against lung cancer. “Kites for a Cure 2009” had a unique and simple concept: it was a fun, uplifting afternoon benefiting Elliot’s Legacy, an organization that was founded in the memory of Elliot Chalme A”H, by his family and friends.
Elliot’s 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 to its fullest. Elliot’s smile radiated like the sun and he inspired young and old alike 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 event in his honor was invigorating. Over 70 women exercised, while enjoying the beautiful view of the seashore. The women were energized by a stimulating array of exercise classes, including aerial conditioning with Franci, yoga with Gem, and Zumba with Michal. There were also many other activities for all to savor. There were rides, face painting, a delicious barbecue, a children’s Chinese Auction, as well as a silent sports memorabilia auction, but by far the most fun was the kite flying.
After the success of last year’s event, many children looked forward to this kite flying extavaganza all summer long. Children colored and designed hundreds of kites delivering messages to loved ones. The kites flying in the fresh air created an exquisite site!
Elliot’s son Raymond and his sister-in-law Judi Chalme spoke, emphasizing the need for more research. Lung cancer has one of the lowest survival rates. They also reminded everyone of how much this deadly disease affects our community. Most importantly, the successful turnout raised awareness and much-needed funds for research.
By awarding more than $5 million to top researchers around the country, Elliot’s Legacy is now a leading resource in the search for new treatments and a cure for lung cancer.
But the need for more research is extremely essential, and the stats don’t lie.
• Every three minutes another person is diagnosed with lung cancer, while 439 people die of this disease every day.
• Lung cancer kills more people than many 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.
• Approximately 161,840 people died of lung cancer in 2008 alone.
• Smoking and secondhand smoke lead to lung cancer.
Judi Chalme moved the crowd to tears, stating, “Today, we pay tribute to my amazing brother-in-law Elliot Chalme and his incredibly positive outlook and optimism by ensuring that something positive and enduring comes out of the tragedy of his passing. And so, we give you his gift. The gift Elliot would’ve wanted to give to the world: more research, more cures and more happy endings. If Elliot were here with us, I know that this is what he would want—that when someone is newly diagnosed with lung cancer, the first question asked is not: ‘Did he smoke?’ but, ‘How can I help?’ That is truly Elliot’s legacy.”
Many thanks to the wonderful committee: Renee Braha, Estelle Chalme, Vanessa Chalme, Geri Chalme, Cookie Cohen, Audrey Dweck, Adelaide Khezrie, Allison Missry, Robin Rosenthal, Amy Sasson, Mary Setton, Frieda Shama, Jaime Shamosh, Deborah Shiloach, Laura Tawil and Shannon Wahba. Most of all, thanks to Robin Chalme, who pulled the whole event together. Warm thanks to the Cohen family and Moshe Faham for graciously giving of their time and their home.
Elliot’s Legacy is one of the top events of the summer. Many children are already anticipating next year’s event. Elliot’s wife, Robin, and his sons Raymond, Hy and Richie were grateful for the remarkable turnout. For more information about Elliot’s Legacy please visit elliotslegacy.org.
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Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children and a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.
