ATHENS – GNUSA [Photos: THI]
The Board of Directors of The Hellenic Initiative (THI) visited the Marianna V. Vardinoyannis–ELPIDA Children’s Oncology Hospital for a ceremony acknowledging THI’s support for the ELPIDA – Association of Friends of Children with cancer, Greece’s most impactful organization in the fight against childhood cancer.
Representatives of THI were welcomed by Christianna V. Vardinoyannis, President of ELPIDA, along with members of its Board of Directors and the President of the Pediatric Oncology Hospital, Manolis Papasavvas.
Founded in 1990 by a group of compassionate women led by Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, ELPIDA has become a national symbol of hope, compassion, and care for children suffering from cancer and their families. It remains one of the most trusted and effective partners in THI’s philanthropic mission.
When presenting a commemorative plaque to THI Board Vice Chair John Koudounis, Christianna Vardinoyannis declared: “The Greek diaspora worldwide, through The Hellenic Initiative, is a key ally in the fight against childhood cancer. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for everything you do for our little heroes. We are truly proud of our partnership – a partnership that grows stronger every day and has now evolved into a life-saving alliance of hope!”
Vardinoyannis said of THI that “with your valuable support, we have further upgraded the Hospital’s Center for Gene and Cell Therapy. The operation and achievements of this Center give us hope that one day we will be able to save 4 out of 4 children with cancer – this was always the vision of my beloved late mother, Marianna V. Vardinoyannis.”
The visit included a tour of the Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, the only such center in Greece certified by the National Organization for Medicines. Doctors demonstrated the operation of the newly acquired THI-funded medical equipment, used to preserve grafts and develop advanced therapy medicinal products such as Virus-Specific T-cells and CAR-T Cells, both essential for the hospital’s cutting-edge treatment efforts.
Also representing THI were Executive Director Mike Manatos and Board Members Aris Candris, Achilles Constantakopoulos, and Dean Metropoulos, as well as Simos Simeonidis, Yanni Sianis, and THI staff members Michael Printzos, THI Greece Country Head, and Vlassis Adraktas, THI Program Officer.
Founded in 2012, THI is the only global non-profit organization that unites Greeks around the world around philanthropy through investing in the future of Greece. Since its founding, THI has raised more than $38 million and has grown to be the largest Greek Diaspora organization in the world.
“The love for Greece and its people among Diaspora Hellenes and Philhellenes and the generosity that engenders never cease to amaze me. It goes without saying that they seek no reward – but expressions of thanks and appreciation by the likes of ELPIDA are very heartwarming. Eternal be the memory of Marianna Vardinoyannis, who was a true inspiration to all as a valued member of THI’s Executive Committee”,George P. Stamas, THI’s Board President, stated.
“Marianna Vardinoyannis and her husband Vardis were benefactors of Greece and shining examples for us all. The legacy they left behind – and which continues – is extraordinary, and it is a great honor for THI to be part of this ongoing effort”, John Koudounis, THI Board Vice Chair, said.
