The AHEPAN - Winter 2016 - 14

Program. Pallone elaborated on the practice of precision medicine regarding cancer treatment and its benefits.
"The money you raise helps match the federal government's
initiative of cancer research," Pallone said. "I am proud of your
efforts, and I thank you for what you do."
In perhaps the most poignant moment of the evening, Past
Foundation Chairman Georgette Boulegeris, PDG, shared her
personal journey of battling breast cancer.
"Two years ago, two days before the Gala, I had my first chemotherapy treatment," she said. "As a member and supporter
of the Foundation for many years, when you are on the other
side of the spectrum you have a different perspective. Your life
changes and so does the lives of people around you."
Boulegeris continued, "I was lucky. I was diagnosed early,
and they did a test on me called the oncotype test which
determines the probability of reoccurrence of cancer. The seed
money for this test was given by this Foundation."
For now, she considers herself surviving cancer, and until
her oncologist says she does not want to see her anymore, she
will not consider herself cancer free.
The successful "March to a Million" began 28-years-ago with
the Foundation simply armed with coin collection canisters
for cancer research. As such, Marousis-Zachariades awarded
two District 5 chapters with the Golden Canister Award for
their invaluable assistance in service to the Canister Program-
Alexander Hamilton Chapter 54, Paramus, N.J. and Daughters
of Penelope Aulis 195, Ocean, N.J., for 25 and 27 years of continuous service to the Canister Program, respectively. Chapter
54 President Demetrios Bayiokos, Past Supreme Governor
Louis Arvanitis, Chapter 195 President Patricia Vlahos, PDG,
and Sophia Anest, accepted the awards on behalf of their
chapters.
In remarks, Supreme President and Past Foundation
Chairman Andrew C. Zachariades stated, "The importance of
us being here tonight is really the legacy of the AHEPA family.
There is only one Order of AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons
of Pericles and Maids of Athena-one AHEPA family, who since
1922 has carried out the philanthropic importance of the organization, whose donations have exceeded over a billion dollars.
The supreme president also thanked the doctors for all their
countless hours researching a cure for cancer.
AHEPA Executive Director Basil Mossaidis served as the
Master of Ceremonies.
"We gather for a historical event," he said. "It is a wonderful
opportunity to showcase the great work the AHEPA family
does, especially here in District 5, and I truly believe that

THE AHEPAN · Winter 2016

because of your efforts that one day, very soon, we will be here
celebrating the eradication of this disease."
Additional dignitaries were in attendance.
Daughters of Penelope Grand President Jan Spanos thanked
the Foundation its work.
Spanos, a two-time cancer survivor, said, "You are a living testimony to the good things that we stand for as an AHEPA family.
As a district, you are an example and should be proud. On behalf
of all of those in need, I sincerely thank you for what you do and
hope that you continue to raise millions of dollars more."
Sons of Pericles Supreme President Nicholas Apostolou,
who hails from District 5, conveyed extreme pride to be a part
of a district that raises money for cancer research.
Past Foundation Chairman and Supreme Counselor George
G. Horiates offered a toast in memory of the Foundation's
Founder Julian "Woody" West, who had the foresight to initiate
the idea of forming the Foundation and raising money for cancer research.
For more information, visit www.5thdistrictahepa-crf.org,
Facebook Page (Fifth District AHEPA Cancer Research Foundation,
Inc.) and GoFundMe Virtual Canister Program.

AHEPA DISTRICTS 12 &
13 RAISE FUNDS FOR
CANCER RESEARCH
AHEPA Districts 12 and 13, and chapters within the two districts,
raised $6,000 to help find a cure for cancer as sponsors of the
inaugural Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation Gala, "The
Wings to Cure," held in Chicago, November 5, 2016.
In addition to Districts 12 and 13, AHEPA Chapter 78,
Merrillville/Gary, Ind., and AHEPA Chapter 157, Calumet, Ind.,
donated. AHEPA was the only non-business sponsor of the gala.
"Cancer must be cured, and AHEPA will do all it can to end
this horrible disease that takes too many lives," Past Supreme
Governor Nick Kavadas, who attended, said.
The Foundation works in cooperation with the Robert H.
Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northern University.

www.ahepa.org

http://www.5thdistrictahepa-crf.org http://www.ahepa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The AHEPAN - Winter 2016