Our brother, our son, our friend Elijah Gorham, a junior at Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School (MERVO) passed away in October, 2021 after suffering a traumatic brain injury during a football game.

Elijah’s family has established a foundation to be used to provide a source of funding for community-based football leagues to help them improve safety through education, the purchase of equipment and general safety improvements.  

Elijah was an all-round athlete whose favorite sport was football.  In addition to his high school football career, Elijah attended several camps and played for community teams including the Northeast Chargers, TSA and the Northwood Wolves.   Community leagues and camps kept Elijah focused, humble and self-assured.  Elijah developed resilience to negative influences through the mentoring of his coaches and other caring adults.  He built his identity not only as an athlete but as a leader and role model.  “Elijah had dreams.  We want to help other youth dream through the contributions our foundation will make to community-based leagues.  We are doing all this to honor who Elijah is and in his memory”, said Elijah’s Mother, Shantres Shaw.

Youth As Resources is serving as the fiscal sponsor for the Elijah Gorham 7 Strong Foundation. To make a contribution, please visit our donation page and indicate 7 Strong. Contributions are tax deductible.

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