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KIDS ‘N’ CANCER -
A BRIEF HISTORY
BY
TULA GALLANES, PRESIDENT,
1989-1995
METROPOLIS
PHILOPTOCHOS BOARD 2004
And
JESUS said, “Let the little children come unto Me…” Matthew
19:14
Our
Lord teaches us that children must be cared for, nurtured,
protected and given Christian love and faith.
HISTORY
The
Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos Board and its chapters
have heeded this compassionate message of our Lord. In 1985,
Valley Children’s Hospital of Fresno, California, had two
programs: Kids ‘n’ Cancer and Candlelighters, a support group
of parents whose children have been stricken by cancer. The Very
Rev. John S. Bakas, current Dean of St. Sophia Cathedral, Los
Angeles, was President of the Hospital’s Foundation at that
time. He learned the above groups were attempting to establish a
camp program to bring some measure of joy and normalcy to the
lives of children afflicted with cancer. Unfortunately, financing
was not yet available. His Eminence, Metropolitan Anthony and Fr.
Bakas saw the cancer-ridden children put forward a valiant
struggle for life. They were moved and at once agreed that a
camp-based cancer ministry program should become a Metropolis
Philoptochos project. Through the compelling inspiration of His
Eminence and Fr. Bakas, the Metropolis Philoptochos Board
unanimously adopted this special humanitarian outreach program
nineteen years ago.
Presvytera
Jennie Makredes was appointed the first Metropolis Chairperson for
the program.
Shortly thereafter, in the summer of 1985, the cancer children and
their families had their “Camp of Sunshine and Dreams” at St.
Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center in Dunlap, California, funded
by the Philoptochos. These children were excited and happy
campers. Their parents had been granted a reprieve and were able
to relax and find some respite from daily supervision of their
children. In fact, throughout the years of this camping program,
parents inevitably mention that due to the financial burden of the
illness, the week of Kids ‘n’ Cancer is often the only and
first vacation they have enjoyed while enduring the disease.
GOALS
The
goal of Kids ‘n’ Cancer has been to invite, as Philoptochos’
guests, children afflicted with cancer, their siblings, parents,
and if necessary their medical staff, regardless of ethnic
background. This camping week at St. Nicholas Ranch provides the
children an opportunity to enjoy a few bright, carefree,
fun-filled summer days away from the sights and sounds of doctors’
offices,
laboratories, hospitals and surgeons where they, with their
parents, spend so much of their young lives.
Families
whose children are now in the Lord’s hands often request to
return. They are welcome with open arms so their hearts may heal
and they may share their wisdom with parents traveling the same
journey they’ve just traversed. The first modest fundraising
began at the Metropolis House under the Christmas tree. In 1990,
with the realization that greater financial assistance would be
needed to maintain and assure the success of this ministry, the
Metropolis Board decided fundraising should be moved to the
greater Southern California area. Since 1990, twelve families
believing in the good works of the Philoptochos, and especially in
this ministry, graciously and generously offered their homes to
host this annual “Kick-Off Event.”
CONTRIBUTORS
The
following people have served as Metropolis Chairpersons during the
past nineteen years: Presbytera Jennie Makredes, Susan Patzakis,
Christine Peratis [St. Sophia Chapter, Los Angeles, California,]
Katherine Gabriel, Marina Kookootsedes, [St. Paul’s Chapter,
Irvine, California,] and Patricia Chacopulos [St. Sophia Chapter].
These women have devoted their time, efforts, and talents with
sensitivity to accomplish the success of this unique Philoptochos
outreach program. In every instance their endeavors have been
supported and encouraged by each of the Metropolis Philoptochos
Board presidents: the late Irene Gianaras, Tula Gallanes, and
Loula Anaston,
Valerie
Roumeliotes. Parish chapters throughout our Metropolis lent their
whole-hearted support, as well.
The
Southern California fundraising events were hosted and
underwritten by:
1990
- Dr. & Mrs. Michael Patzakis (Pasadena)
1991
- Mr. & Mrs. John Haretakis (Santa Ana)
1992
- Mr. & Mrs. Peter Karagines (Yorba Linda)
1993
- Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Bissias (La Canada)
1994
- Mr. & Mrs. Van Pappas (Encino)
1995
- Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Georgantopoulos (San Clemente)
1996
- Mr. & Mrs. Nikiforos Valaskantzis (San Clemente)
1997
- Mr. & Mrs. Paul Mallis (Pasadena)
1998
- Ms. Arianna Huffington hosted the event at her home.
1999
- Mr. & Mrs. Gus Christopoulos (Pasadena)
2000
- Dr. & Mrs. James Kallins (Downey)
2001
- Event Not Held
2002
- Event Not Held
2003
- Mr. & Mrs. Gerry Ranglas (Rancho Santa Fe,) and
2004
- Mr. & Mrs. George Chacopulos (Newport Beach)
EXPANDING
MINISTRY
Since
the first year at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, the
Metropolis has acquired two additional camps. Local Philoptochos
chapters have volunteered to sponsor Kids ‘n’ Cancer programs
at those locations, also. Further, in 1994 the name “Camp Agape”
was adopted so that all camps throughout the Metropolis could be
unified in name. We have welcomed four Greek Orthodox Philoptochos
Chapters into our program. They have
made
this mission of love a reality in their areas. 1990- Camp Agape at
Camp Angelos, Holy Trinity Chapter, Portland, Oregon. This camp is
not only supported by the chapter but by the entire parish and
surrounding community.
1997
– Camp Agape at All Saints Center, Raft Island, Washington.
Three Philoptochos chapters work and coordinate their unified
efforts with their parishes of St. Demetrios and Assumption in
Seattle, and St. Nicholas parish in Tacoma, Washington.The
Philoptochos Board is currently working to establish two
more Camp Agape’s within the Metropolis.
MAKING
A DIFFERENCE
Philoptochos
has striven to make a difference in the lives of ill children. The
many children who survived cancer see this camp experience as part
of their therapy of healing. Fr. John Bakas reminds us that, “Philoptochos
should be proud of its involvement with the Kids ‘n’ Cancer
program, for they are truly doing the work of the Lord among
children and their parents. In reality, these cancer children are
dressed in the distressful disguise of a sick child. When we
minister to these children we are ministering to Christ Himself.
Indeed, Christ’s explanation of the Final Judgment of Works,
Matthew 25:31-46 explains our involvement with the Kids ‘n’
Cancer program.” This Philoptochos ministry has enriched
hundreds of lives. Through the Kids ‘n’ Cancer program the
Philoptochos women of the Metropolis of San Francisco provide
bright beacons of hope for these weary travelers on a long
journey. This beacon for every child bears the name “Camp Agape.”
We share an excerpt from a letter written by a mother following a
Camp Agape session:
…I
want every cancer family to feel the power in a community of love
found at Camp Agape. We love you all. God bless you for being the
hand and feet and mouth of Jesus Christ. Christ
was
truly present this week.
Kristey
Kreamer
Philoptochos
Camp Agape – 1998
All
Saints Camp
Raft
Island, Gig Harbor, Washington
Thank
you to Presvytera Jennie Makredes and the Very Rev. John S. Bakas
for their support and input toward this history.
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