Today we’d like to introduce you to Eli Gabbay
Eli, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Eli Gabbay. I am eighteen years old, a senior at The Buckley School, and a former Long Covid patient. I experienced Long Covid from October of 2022 to October of 2023, and my prominent symptoms were brain fog and fatigue. Due to my symptoms, I could not participate in school or attend classes, which led me to have to retake my junior year of high school this past year.
My journey with Long Covid was filled with anxiety, depression, and fear. I prayed every day that a cure would be discovered, but I felt utterly helpless. To help those previously in my position, I have started a foundation named Long Covid United (LCU).
Long Covid United is a non-profit organization that supports Long Covid Patients through funding of Long Covid clinics, research, and voluntary community service. In partnership with Keck Medicine of USC, the funds that LCU will raise will support Long Covid clinical research at Keck Medicine of USC, Long Covid clinical care at Keck Medicine of USC, and Long Covid health education/outreach. My aim with the foundation is to not only raise funds and promote research, but to increase awareness around this cause and to provide victims with a space to feel seen, heard, and supported.
On September 19th, LCU hosted its first Gala at the USC Hotel Venue to support Keck Medicine’s Long Covid Clinic as well as Keck Medicine’s Long Covid clinical research. There were about 200 in attendance. The event included a dinner, keynote speeches from leading health experts, a silent auction, and pledges with proceeds going towards Keck Medicine’s Long Covid research and Long Covid Recovery Clinic. Through ticket sales and all donations, we were able to raise close to a $100,000. (Still counting all the donations to get the final amount)
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, especially in the beginning stages. I started creating the website for Long Covid United (LCU) during the second semester of my junior year in high school, a time when I was already balancing a lot of responsibilities. Finishing the website and launching the foundation in June was a huge accomplishment, but it came with the pressure of managing time and staying focused while juggling school and other commitments.
Planning our first gala was another big challenge. My family and I were the ones to put everything together, so it was a lot of work to organize. Despite the challenges, though, it was an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Along the way, I’ve also encountered skepticism regarding Long Covid. Some people didn’t fully understand or acknowledge the seriousness of the disease, which added an extra layer of difficulty when it came to advocating for the cause and gaining support. However, these challenges have only strengthened my determination to raise awareness and support for Long Covid patients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently a senior at The Buckley School, and my journey has been shaped by my experience with Long Covid, which I battled from October 2022 to October 2023. This experience led me to redo my junior year of high school. Despite the setbacks, I’ve always been a hardworking student, taking almost all AP classes, because I have a deep love for learning. My interests are broad, but I especially gravitate toward business, entrepreneurship, and economics.
Ironically, I had never considered the medical field until my own health challenges shifted my perspective. I started Long Covid United, a foundation aimed at raising awareness and support for Long Covid patients, inspired by my personal battle.
I’m most proud of my ability to push through adversity and speak up for what I believe in. That’s something people often recognize about me. What sets me apart is my resilience and determination to not only overcome challenges but to turn them into opportunities to help others.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a blend of extroverted and introverted. I loved spending time with my family and friends, but I also appreciated moments alone to recharge. I’ve always been curious, constantly asking my family members questions and wanting to understand the world around me.
In terms of interests, I’ve always been a huge sports fanatic. Whether it was baseball, basketball, soccer, or football, I followed all of them closely. My passion for sports even extended into my own life, as I’ve been on the varsity soccer team at school since my freshman year. Sports have always played a big role in shaping who I am and how I approach challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://longcovidunited.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longcovidunited/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LongCovidUnited
