The 17th annual Elliot’s Legacy, a beachside family carnival featuring kite flying in memory of Elliot Chalmé A’H, took place August 11. Elliot passed away from lung cancer in 2006 at the age of 56, and flying kites was a beloved activity of his.

More than 700 people – most of them families with children – enjoyed activities including airbrushing, bounce houses, and (of course) flying kites. This year’s event was at a new venue, the DSN Beach Club in Deal, NJ, and by all accounts it was a great day to be among family and friends for a special cause.

LCRF Board member Ray Chalmé, his brothers Richie and Hy, their mother Robin and a new generation of Chalmés have raised $8 million since the event’s inception in 2007.

Robin Chalmé Rahmey, Elliot’s granddaughter, was instrumental in planning this year’s event. “My family has always been committed to funding lung cancer research to honor my grandfather. Having this event allows us to do that in a fun and family-oriented way,” she said. “It’s really a reflection of who he was, so it’s only natural that I help continue the tradition of bringing families together to fly kites in his memory for years to come.”

“We started this event 17 years ago to honor our dad, and it’s incredible to think how it has supported the work of so many lung cancer researchers,” said Ray Chalmé. “The $8 million raised for lung cancer research through Elliott’s Legacy Kites for a Cure means that LCRF grantees will receive another almost $50 million in follow-on funding for lung cancer research.”

“Elliot was such a beacon of light, and that continues to shine through our whole family, and especially through this event. It means so much to have his legacy be the catalyst for giving other lung cancer patients more time,” said Elliot’s wife, Robin.

The Chalmé family is grateful to the generous sponsors and donors who have supported the event year after year and are proud of the impact they are making on the future for patients with lung cancer.

“This event does more than keep our dad’s memory alive – it also ensures that research advancements are directly impacted by all the generous donors who help continue the fight for a cure,” Ray added.

“The Chalmé family’s continued support of LCRF and its mission is extraordinary,” said Aubrey Rhodes, Executive Director. “We are so grateful for their commitment to funding lung cancer research year after year. Their impact is felt far beyond just what the family has raised through this event over the last 17 years, with a much larger ripple effect in lung cancer research advancement. LCRF is indebted to the Chalmé family for their dedication to the mission.”