Discussion with representatives of the Be my Hero initiative and the urban non-profit company “Karkinaki”, which aim to inform and motivate the registration young volunteer bone marrow donorsorganized by New Democracyon the occasion of World Childhood Cancer Day.
The event-discussionwas organized by the Secretariat for Quality of Life and Volunteering of New Democracy, and was invited, among others, the collaborator of the University Oncology Hematology Unit (POAM) at the Pediatric Oncology Unit “ELPIDA- M. VARDINOGIANNI” Katerina.
The aim of the event was to inform about the importance of bone marrow donation and how such a simple act of solidarity can save a child’s life.
It should be noted that for many patients – especially children – suffering from neoplastic diseases, bone marrow transplantation is their only hope.
The discussion, which was moderated by the Secretary of Quality of Life and Volunteering of the party, Pisti Krystallidou, was attended by Kimon Antipas, representative of Be my Hero and Menia Koukougianni, co-founder and director of AMKE “CANCER for Children and Adolescents” . The most special guest of the event was Fotini Legaki, who overcame cancer and her adventure as a child gave inspiration for the creation of Be my Hero.
The secretary of the Political Committee of New Democracy, Pavlos Marinakis, pledged to hold an open event to inform the public about the process of bone marrow donation, in the presence of cancer survivors.
Mr. Antipas said that the response of the public to open information events is exciting, but we need even more information and extroversion, in order to gather even more volunteers.
Ms Koukougianni said: “Pediatric cancers are rare, but every year we have 35,000 new diagnoses and 6,000 children and adolescents die in Europe alone. It is the leading cause of death from childhood illness. At the same time, thanks to high cure rates, there are currently 500,000 pediatric cancer survivors in Europe who are facing long-term effects of the treatment they have received and need access to long-term care. The message of this year’s World Day is that the best quality of life for children who have been cured of cancer is achievable and in our hands. “We call on the government to stand by us and introduce policies that will strengthen research, reduce inequalities and improve the quality of life of children and adolescents with cancer.”
Particular importance was given during the discussion on the lives of children survivors after the disease and the needs they have. Ms. Katsimbardi said, among other things: “In recent years, significant progress has been made in the survival of children with childhood cancer. As a result, childhood cancer survivors are growing significantly each year. However, the majority of survivors will experience some complications, which can be very serious or life-threatening, such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, second malignancy or infertility. Early detection and treatment of complications aims to ensure long-term survival and better quality of life. The strengthening and staffing of the clinics for the monitoring of cancer survivors in childhood is necessary, so that every child who has been treated for cancer has the possibility of comprehensive monitoring and care “.
Fotini Legaki shared her experience and how she turned her own ordeal into strength, offering it to the children who are currently struggling. He stressed that the biggest problem is the lack of information, both regarding the disease and its treatment.
The secretary of the Political Committee of New Democracy, Pavlos Marinakis, emphasizing the importance of bone marrow donation, said: “New Democracy and ONED are actively participating in the Bone Marrow Donor Volunteer program, having already gathered hundreds of volunteers. Our most important weapon against cancer is information: to understand that in a few minutes, we have the opportunity to save a life. These children are the real heroes of life and it is our duty to help them win. Informing, preventing, improving and strengthening the overall cancer strategy. is first on the agenda of the party and the government. The Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis himself, announced a year ago the start of the National Register of Patients of Childhood and Adolescence with Neoplastic Diseases “.
The Secretary of Quality of Life and Volunteerism of ND, Pisti Krystallidou, stated: we inform our members about the importance of bone marrow donation, culminating in the ONNED campaign ‘Life can not wait’, which continues “.
Also present at the event were Organizational Secretary Stelios Kontadakis and Social Solidarity and Human Rights Secretary Maria Natsiou.
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