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In Loving Memory of Nataline Sarkisyan

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  • In Loving Memory of Nataline Sarkisyan

    In Loving Memory of Nataline Sarkisyan

    asbarez
    Friday, July 6th, 2012


    Nataline during a trip to Armenia
    BY HOURIG FOURNOUZIAN

    It's been nearly five years since we lost a beautiful young girl, our
    dear Nataline Sarkisyan, who at the tender age of 17 lost her
    courageous battle against leukemia. In the hearts of her family and
    friends however, Nataline lives on, with her radiant smile and zest
    for life. And on July 14, 2012, our community will once again come
    together to honor her memory, as we have done every year since her
    passing.

    Diagnosed with leukemia at the young age of 14, for the next two years
    Nataline fought valiantly against the disease with the help of her
    parents and team of doctors. Just when it seemed like the battle was
    won, the cancer returned, and Nataline was now in need of a liver
    transplant. Another battle began, this time with the Sarkisyan
    family's health insurance company Cigna, who were not authorizing the
    liver transplant. Eventually the procedure was authorized, but by then
    it was too late. The Sarkisyan family had lost their beloved daughter
    with her innocent and serene smile.

    After her passing, the Sarkisyan family established the `Nataline
    Sarkisyan Foundation' with two purposes; to keep their daughter's
    memory alive, and also to fight back against large insurance companies
    who deny patient care for profit, to defeat the current ERISA law and
    replace it with Nataline's law.

    Nataline had big dreams and plans for her life. Alongside receiving
    higher education, it was her dream to be a part of the fashion
    industry designing women's clothing. At a young age she had already
    began working in fulfillment of this dream, and it was only after her
    passing that her parents, to their great and pleasant surprise,
    discovered a sketchbook of designs hidden in Nataline's bedroom.

    The discovery of that sketchbook became the inspiration for the annual
    fashion show held in honor of Nataline which celebrates her
    aspirations to become a fashion designer. The event is sponsored by
    benevolent organizations and individuals, and all proceeds go to
    providing scholarships to students with aspirations to have a career
    in the fashion, culinary, or medical fields.

    This year's `Nataline's Fashion Legacy' will once again be held at
    Mercedes Benz of Calabasas. There will be a cultural program in
    addition to the fashion show. As in previous years, the event will
    close by honoring Nataline's memory and talent by showcasing one of
    her own designs brought to life by famed fashion designer Pol Atteu.

    It is worth noting that this anual event draws praise and commendation
    not just from the Armenian community, but from non-Armenians as well
    who encourage the Foundation's mission through their moral and
    financial support. Please visit www.natalinesarkisyan.com for more
    information.

    I would like to close with a poem in tribute to Nataline and as an
    expression of my love and support for her parents, my Homenetmen
    brother and sister Koko and Hilda Sarkisyan, and Nataline's brother
    Bedig.

    You were a beautiful young rose

    Glowing as bright as the midday sun,

    Living each moment to the fullest

    You enjoyed many good days,

    But, alas, justice you did not see

    As you ascended up to the heavens.

    It is now your parents' mission

    And triumphant they will be,

    As they continue to fight the good fight

    In justice and righteousness for you, sweet Nataline.



    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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