Joyful Light Benefit

JOYFUL LIGHT BENEFIT

Ohio Philoptochos Chapter Raises Over $17,000 For Adolescent Cancer Research

The Joyful Light Benefit, established by the St. Demetrios Philoptochos Society of Rocky River, Ohio to raise funds for local charities, held its inaugural event on April 22, 2007 to honor 16-year old parishioner Steven Giallourakis who was diagnosed a year ago with Osteocarcoma.

The event to date has raised over $17,000 for The Steven Giallourakis Adolescent/Young Adult Research Fund created at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital of the University Hospitals of Cleveland to establish a full-time research fellow position in Cleveland to study and improve outcomes for adolescents and young adults ages 15-29 with cancer.  This age group is the only group that has not experienced a significant increase in survival rates since 1975.

Mrs. Barbara Pasalis and Mrs. Crystal Thomas, members of the National Philoptochos Board, co-chaired the event that included Dr. John Letterio, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology of Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, who offered remarks on the challenges of diagnosis and treatment that are unique to adolescents and young adults with cancer.  

Mrs. Georgia Skeadas, National Philoptochos President, was the keynote speaker.  Mrs. Skeadas presented a review of the National Philoptochos Society's commitments and initiatives during the past five years that includes the disbursement of over $5.3 million to its many worthy national and international commitments and charities. 

President Skeadas presented a check in the amount of $2500.00 on behalf of the National Philoptochos Society for the Steven Giallourakis AYA Cancer Research Fund.    

The Westlake High School, where Steven Giallourakis attends school, and the St. Demetrios Hellenic Dance Troupe provided the evening's entertainment.