Kids 'n' Cancer 2005
Over
$150,000 was raised in support of Kids N Cancer on May 15, 2005. Over 600
people attended the 15th Annual Kids N Cancer Reception. His Eminence
Metropolitan Gerasimos of the San Francisco Metropolis, Valerie
Roumeliotes, president, with the leadership of the Metropolis Philotpochos
Board, Parishes and Chapters held a beautiful event. It was graciously
hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Nikiforos Valaskantjis for the second time at
their magnificent home in San Clemente. The spirit of philanthropy moved
everyone present. We are grateful to our generous hosts for their sincere
love and support of the Kids N Cancer Ministry. This year’s reception
honored the contributions of Patty Chacopoulos for her 12 years of service
and dedication as Chairman of the Kids N Cancer Ministry. The bountiful
success of this ministry was the result of the labors of love offered by
the Philoptochos Chapters and Parishes in the Metropolis with the paternal
love of our beloved Metropolitan Anthony. Thank you to all the generous
chapters and donors who gave in support of the “Shopping by Chance”
gift baskets which contributed to the success of this year’s event. Also
present was the Reverend John Bakas, Dean of St. Sophia Cathedral in Los
Angeles, who originally developed the “Camp Agape” concept with our
beloved Metropolitan Anthony. This ministry provides a one week camping
experience for children afflicted with cancer, along with their families
and medical staff. Regional Camp Agape programs are currently held in
Dunlap (California), Portland (Oregon), and Seattle (Washington). We have
officially opened our 4th Kids N Cancer Camp in San Diego with the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of San Diego.We are anxious to open our next
camp in Arizona. Camp activities such as water sports, circus day, arts
& crafts, Greek Day, computers and other creative opportunities
nourish childrens’ spiritual, emotional and physical health. Camp Agape
is a family experience that provides a joyful learning environment. The
ministry also supports the Oncology Transportation Fund in Honolulu,
Hawaii which relieves some of the financial hardship to families with
afflicted children who must travel inter island several times weekly for
treatments. The ministry has recently expanded to assist children with
other life threatening diseases through the “Agape Bear Program.” This
year’s event was chaired by Jeannie Ranglas and co-chaired by Stacia
Counelis with outstanding work from their committee. We are indebted to
all the wonderful volunteers and generous donors for this year’s
success.
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