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 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