Ellis Injury Law Firm Proud to Donate to Create a Smile Charity
This has been an unusual year, where traditional fundraising events and activities have been suspended, jeopardizing the ability of charitable organizations to fulfill their missions. Ellis Injury Law is pleased to have participated in the first-ever “Roaring 20s: MASKarade” Virtual Gala event for Create a Smile on the Zoom videoconferencing platform. While we missed the opportunity to engage in person with charity organizers and the brave kids and parents fighting cancer that Create a Smile supports, it was still a blast to connect in spirit with so many inspiring folks, and gratifying to see so much money raised for an excellent cause.
Featured speakers at the event included child psychologist Dr. Nicolle Bugescu, and pediatric oncologist Dr. Araz Marachelian, while multi-platinum pop artist Andy Grammer lifted everyone’s hearts with a stirring musical performance. Our favorite part, though, was the Smile Child Talent Show!
We’d also like to offer our congratulations to Qierre McGlory for being named the 2020 Supporter of the Year and the recipient of the “Dalilah Award.” The award was named this year in honor of Dalilah Martinez, a Smilechild recipient who has gained her wings in heaven after battling cancer. Dalilah was a gifted singer who was able to live her dream for a day by meeting her favorite Princess, Elsa!
If you wish to join us in supporting such a noble cause, visit www.createsmiles.org.
Mission of Create a Smile
The mission of Create a Smile is to “take childhood back from cancer” and provide tailor-made experiences to children battling the disease. Quality of life can have just as big an impact as the medical treatments these kids receive. Whether it’s a party, a horseback riding lesson, a new X-Box, or a family trip to Big Bear, Create a Smile is committed to giving kids an unforgettable day that helps them look cancer in the face and say, “I got this.”
Disturbing Statistics on Childhood Cancer
After suicide and homicide, cancer is the leading cause of death among young people past infancy. More than 1,700 children ages 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer each year in California alone. Around 1 in every 265 children in the state will develop some form of cancer before they are 20 years old. These statistics are troubling to any parent. Most children diagnosed with cancer will survive into adulthood, but it is imperative that they receive psychosocial support and maintain a positive spirit that promotes healing.
It is unclear why pediatric cancer is so prevalent in California, but one theory is that environmental exposure to toxic chemicals causes random cell mutations. Last year, at least 10 students at Weston Elementary in Ripon were diagnosed with cancer, prompting soil and groundwater testing. Researchers found the carcinogen trichloroethylene (TCE) in the school’s tap water tracing back to a nearby Nestle plant that closed in 1994.
We encourage you to learn more about the life-affirming mission of Create a Smile and to consider donating to this worthy cause.