Off The Charts Club empowers children battling cancer by giving them personalized capes. When possible they are personally delivered by our Chief Happiness Officer, 10-year-old Matteo. Click the names of Luca from Virginia, Sofia from Nebraska, and Teddy from Alabama to see how capes boosted their cancer-fighting SuperPowers.
We have a team of multi-generational, inspiring leaders who embody the spirit of selfless determination. Off The Charts Club travels to races near and far to use running as a tool for mobilizing community support for children battling cancer.
We create opportunities for elementary to high school age youth to learn the value of community service and develop leadership skills. These initiatives are led by two youth ambassadors who have overcome cancer to become role models in the community.
Elyssia “Leesee” Brown is a junior at Battlefield High School in Northern Virginia. Elyssia conducts community outreach and serves as a role model for children who are battling life-threatening illnesses or facing adversity. She was diagnosed with T-Cell Leukemia in August, 2018, and still receives treatment at INOVA Fairfax. Elyssia is
Elyssia “Leesee” Brown is a junior at Battlefield High School in Northern Virginia. Elyssia conducts community outreach and serves as a role model for children who are battling life-threatening illnesses or facing adversity. She was diagnosed with T-Cell Leukemia in August, 2018, and still receives treatment at INOVA Fairfax. Elyssia is a bilingual (Spanish) honor roll student who plays softball, basketball, and piano. She was recently selected as Top Cadet in the Homeland Security Investigation Training Program and comes from a family of public service with both parents being colonels in the U.S. Army. Elyssia has a younger brother, Keric (14), and a beloved puppy, Ringo. Her personal motto is “strength through adversity.”
Our founder and CHO (chief happiness officer), Matteo Lambert, is a 5th grader trying to help peers with cancer. Matteo believes kids should support other kids. In 2019, he has used his love for running to support Hopecam and kids with cancer by competing in 36 races in 15 states and two countries – totaling 125 miles. In every race, he
Our founder and CHO (chief happiness officer), Matteo Lambert, is a 5th grader trying to help peers with cancer. Matteo believes kids should support other kids. In 2019, he has used his love for running to support Hopecam and kids with cancer by competing in 36 races in 15 states and two countries – totaling 125 miles. In every race, he wore a cape featuring a child battling cancer. By borrowing these heroes “superpowers” he has raised over $80,000 in two years. Matteo’s efforts have given over 100 sick children a social lifeline. Matteo learned there are no age requirements for making a difference. He is the youngest person to ever give a TED Talk without notes and is currently writing a book in hopes of inspiring other youth to use their passions toward helping others.
By the age of seven, Zohaib Begg had received accolades from global media and a President of the United States of America. Zohaib is a 3rd grader from Virginia who realized at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic that he could make a difference. Amid a health crisis that included a shortage in personal protective equipment (PPE), Zohaib co
By the age of seven, Zohaib Begg had received accolades from global media and a President of the United States of America. Zohaib is a 3rd grader from Virginia who realized at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic that he could make a difference. Amid a health crisis that included a shortage in personal protective equipment (PPE), Zohaib collected over 6,000 gloves, masks, and caps from local hotels and delivered them to health workers in his community. The recipients were some of the same doctors and nurses who treated Zohaib for a blood disorder and subsequent tumor from the ages of three to six. Many people, including Barack Obama, took notice of his generosity. Zohaib embodies our organization spirit - a young, inspiring leader with Off The Charts perseverance.
Brandon Lambert is chairman of the Off The Charts Club, a role that allows him to both “pay it back” and “pay it forward”. At the age of 12, a 4-H program gave Brandon’s family the privilege of hosting a Japanese student on their Illinois farm. This eye-opening experience motivated him to study international business. Brandon spent the first five years of his career in Japan conducting cultural exchange. After returning to the U.S., Brandon enjoyed a decade-long career in journalism as a TV news producer. In 2014, he joined the U.S. Department of State as a foreign affairs officer. When he’s not serving as water boy for Matteo, he can be found supporting teams with Cardinal mascots.
Judy Laufman, a native New Yorker and rabid Mets fan, is thrilled to be part of the “Off the Charts” Board as she pursues her quest of running a half-marathon in all 50 states – all while undergoing her third bout of cancer. In October 2010 she completed the Marine Corps Marathon (her 3rd of 4 full marathons) while undergoing chemo for Stage 3 breast cancer. Judy has worked at the World Bank since 2007, and has traveled extensively throughout Africa. Judy lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, David. Their sons Michael and Adam (and daughter-in-law Laura) and two young grandchildren all live in Nashville. As she laces up her shoes for each training run and race, Judy’s motto is “Every Mile Is A Gift”.
Akiko Otani is the Director of Public Private Partnerships at Takeda Pharmaceuticals where she works closely with scientists to foster external partnerships to advance the science and accelerate the innovations to bring more effective medicines to patients faster. Prior to joining Takeda, Akiko had a fulfilling career spanning more than 20 years of global experience in the non-profit sector which started by launching a project in Thailand to support children suffering from chronic diseases. Each day, Akiko is reminded of their courage and perseverance to live life to its fullest. She lives in the Boston area with her husband and three children.
Tony Shivers is an education consultant who is involved in the PTA from local to national levels. He is a board member of Volunteer Fairfax and serves on numerous educational committees in Fairfax County Virginia and beyond. Tony is CEO of Shivers Consulting that provides services to nonprofit and community-based organizations, particularly in the Northern Virginia area. Tony also worked for and represented various nonprofit organizations and trade associations in the Washington, DC area, including United Way Worldwide and the Council for a Strong America. He hails from Wilmington, North Carolina and is married to Catherine, a national board certified teacher in the Fairfax County, Virginia school system. They are proud parents of two active boys, Bennett and Brayden.
Paula Golladay serves as a role model to people from all walks of life. Following many years as an interpreter for federal government agencies, Paula transitioned to a career of public service for the Internal Revenue Service. A double leg amputee for the better part of her adult life, Paula ran 75 races of 5K distance or longer in 2019. Despite the 2020 pandemic, she continues to run virtual races every week. Cancer is a cause close to her heart, as she spends much free time supporting her friend battling liver cancer. Paula has partnered with Matteo to support kids in many ways, and they are a dynamic one-two combination. Running on blades with a tradition of throwing her cap at the finish line, Paula says, "It's about starting and finishing. I always finish ahead of the thousands who didn't try."
Do you have have experience or a desire and skill set that can fundamentally change the lives of both healthy and sick children? If so, please send an email to otc@corefoundation.org
Matteo starts our journey with Thanksgiving weekend announcement on CBS in Washington D.C. region. Over one million views.
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Off The Charts Club was founded by 9-year-old Matteo
who ran 35 races in 15 states & Canada - all in 2019.
Watch Matteo's journey below and check out other videos at his
Shortest Basketball Player In College Basketball History Shares Voice Of Inspiration