Latest news with #Elysa
CNA
29-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Deep Dive GE2025 Podcast: PAP's Elysa Chen on being 'kicked into politics' and overcoming imposter syndrome
Politics was never part of Elysa Chen's plan, who used to think of the PAP as 'paternalistic' and 'out of touch'. But one tea session with the PAP led to another, and now, the party's new face is standing in GE2025. She tells Steven Chia on the Deep Dive podcast why contesting in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC feels like a 'homecoming'. Here is an excerpt from the conversation: Steven Chia, host: Why did you decide to jump into this race? Elysa Chen, PAP candidate for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC: Let me tell you the story. So, it's a pretty open secret. From time to time, certain people get called up for tea sessions. I didn't know what a tea session was. I thought it was literally to have tea and give feedback. Steven: I mean, they probably serve tea at the meeting too? Elysa: Which was extra confusing for me. Is this a tea session or not? I thought it was a forward SG conversation ... I thought they were trying to consult social service leaders and people from different segments of society. Halfway through, I was like, the questions they're asking are pretty weird, I thought, okay, what's the agenda of this? Steven: How many of you were having tea? Elysa: Seven of us - four MPs and three (regular people) Steven: So it's a tea party! Elysa: So after that, I asked the others who were there, what was that all about? And they said, 'Oh it is an interview to be an MP". I started laughing and (thought) okay, I guess that's the last tea session I'll go to. But then one tea session led to the next, and here I am. But that's the thing about (tea sessions), right? It's not so much about what you're drinking, it's the conversations that you're having, the connections that you're developing. Steven: But why choose this party, versus others? Elysa: I had some time to get to know many of the PAP party members. Initially, honestly, I was quite resistant. The typical descriptions of paternalistic, out of touch, things like that. But when you actually get to know them, there's a deep sense of respect. These are people who really care, who have convictions, who are putting their money where their mouth is ... the more I meet different leaders, the more I'm convinced that they are really people with integrity who just want to serve with their best.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Three youngsters find diamonds worth £200 during Easter challenge in Cornwall
Three children struck it lucky during an Easter challenge at a popular heritage attraction in Cornwall. Local visitors Elysa and Lexi, along with Alex, who was visiting the Duchy with his family, recently took part in the 'Pick a Diamond' Easter challenge at Cornwall Gold in Redruth. Local visitors Elysa and Lexi managed to scoop the diamond (Image: Cornwall Gold) Cornwall Gold decided to introduce the challenge earlier this year, where for just £5, visitors can sift around in the soft sand to pluck out either a cubic zirconia or a lab-grown diamond. Once chosen, the gem is graded by the Cornwall Gold team, who reveal whether they have picked a cubic zirconia or a diamond. And for these three lucky youngsters, they each managed to find a sparkling lab-grown diamond worth £200. The diamond is said to be worth £200 (Image: Cornwall Gold) Mike Taylor, Managing Director at Cornwall Gold, said: 'As a free-to-enter attraction, we always look for fun, imaginative ways to engage with our visitors whilst giving them value for money. 'Our 'Pick a Diamond' offering does just that. It's interactive and you honestly don't know whether you'll pluck a cubic zirconia or a £200 diamond. 'And whilst we all know memories fade, diamonds are forever, so we love knowing that the lucky winners will always be reminded of their time with us.' Alex, who was visiting Cornwall Gold whilst on holiday, was also another winner (Image: Cornwall Gold)About Cornwall Gold Cornwall Gold is in the heart of Cornwall's traditional mining district. It offers a free interactive Tolgus Mill exhibition, pan for gold, walk the Tolgus Trail and some time to relax in its award-winning Cornish pantry. Additionally, guests can also 'pick a pearl', enjoy pottery painting or The Bear Works and shop for Cornish jewellery. Cornwall Gold is dog-friendly, has free parking and is open daily with free entry. To find out more, visit
CBS News
14-02-2025
- Health
- CBS News
South Florida family powers the fight against cancer through the Dolphins Cancer Challenge
MIAMI GARDENS – The Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) is celebrating 15 years of raising money for cancer research. Since 2010, the DCC has raised more than $75 million for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Robert Merlin is one of the many reasons behind the ride's success. A cancer fighter without the diagnosis Merlin is a "cancer fighter" despite never having battled the disease himself. But he is the son, brother, father and husband of someone who has. His wife, Michelle Danoff Merlin, posed this question: "Is there any family, sadly, who hasn't been touched by cancer in one way or another?" A brain tumor and a daughter's battle The Merlins' daughter, Elysa, was diagnosed with a brain tumor almost seven years ago, just months after giving birth to her own daughter. Robert Merlin told CBS News Miami's Lauren Pastrana that after the diagnosis, "I was in shock and fear. Just sitting there when she's having her initial examination, which was at a different hospital. There was a plan suggested for care, or for treatment, that we didn't like. It didn't make sense to us." Their primary doctor recommended Sylvester for a second opinion. Elysa had surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation. Now, she's cancer-free. "It's just a great relationship and we can't express our appreciation enough for what they have done for Elysa and our family," Robert Merlin said. "Some patients view themselves as just numbers, but Dr. De La Fuente views Elysa as family. And Elysa feels the same in return," Michelle Danoff Merlin added. Cancer strikes again in the Merlin family The Merlins returned to Sylvester in 2019 when Michelle Danoff Merlin was diagnosed with breast cancer. Robert Merlin's older sister also fought the disease. Both caught it early and are healthy today. His mother, though, died of lung cancer. They are Robert Merlin's motivation to ride and fundraise for the DCC. This year, he's taking part in the Zach Thomas 54-mile ride. The second-generation South Floridian and lifelong Miami Dolphins fan first hopped on his bike 14 years ago. "I rode a hundred miles the first day, stayed overnight in Palm Beach, and then rode 75 miles back," Robert Merlin said. A fundraising heavy hitter Since then, he's helped raise more than $250,000, making him one of the event's "Heavy Hitters." He uses email to make the ask, telling his supporters no donation is too small. "I'm competitive and I'm goal-oriented. So, if I set a goal, I want to achieve it. I've set high goals for raising money and I've done pretty well in my efforts," he told CBS News Miami. "It's a large amount of money. It's never enough because there's a lot of work to be done. But I know all sorts of people I will never meet are being helped. And it's a wonderful feeling." A family united in the cause Michelle Danoff Merlin is also riding this year. She's doing it for herself, for her daughter and for her father. Stuart Danoff faced his own cancer fight. She told CBS News Miami he believed so strongly in the mission that he became a member of the Sylvester Board of Overseers in the early years of the cancer center.
