The story of Aliki and the road to her recovery

Aliki, our 2-year-old friend from Katerini, was severely injured after being hit by a truck, while playing just outside her house. The little girl had suffered craniofacial, chest and abdomen injuries and she was immediately transferred in critical condition to a hospital in Thessaloniki. Thankfully, the little girl was out of the woods; however she was unable to walk, talk or hear. Her father never left her side, always trying to cheer her up and encourage her. However, the little girl still had a long way to go, since she had to be subjected to an intensive physiotherapy treatment program. As the day of her discharge was approaching, her family was more and more worried about how to afford her very expensive treatments. Representatives of the Hospital contacted us in order to help find a solution regarding the little girl’s treatment program. Without wasting any time, we made the necessary arrangements in order to raise the funds required for her treatments, while we managed to find an intensive treatment program suitable for her condition, in the area where the family resides. As soon as the little girl got discharged, we paid a visit to the family, in order to evaluate their living conditions and to make sure they had everything they might need. From the very first day of her discharge, our little friend began an intensive program of physiotherapy sessions at home, but also at a specialized facility, thanks to the help of our freelance associates. We stood by the family’s side during the course of Aliki’s treatment program, offering moral support and ensuring the best possible environment for the little girl’s rehabilitation and recovery. At the same time we have settled some of the debts they have accumulated during her hospitalization. We offered holistic psychosocial support and we made sure that their daily needs were taken care of, so that her parents could fully engage to their daughter’s recovery. Gradually, our little friend’s condition showed great improvement. She began taking her first steps, uttering words and giving away smiles. Today, the little girl can walk, speak, laugh and she looks nothing like the way she was prior to her discharge. We are extremely happy for her recovery and we feel so proud for this little girl, who found the strength to get back on her feet!

View Aliki’s campaign

Aliki, the 2- year-old-girl from Katerini, urgently needs our help, since she was severely injured after being hit by a vehicle. She suffered craniofacial, chest and abdomen injuries and was immediately transferred to a hospital in Thessaloniki. The impact was so strong that caused impairment of her vision, hearing and motor skills.

Update 30.12.21

Great news regarding Aliki’s health condition!

Thanks to your immediate response, Aliki, the two-year-old girl who got hit by a vehicle on October 25th, is doing much better. The ”Act of Kindness” organization was informed about Aliki’s condition by the hospital where she was being treated. Aliki had to be immediately subjected to a series of physiotherapy sessions in order to treat the neurological damage she had suffered, however the family didn’t have the means to pay for these treatments. If left untreated, the damage could become irreversible. Without wasting any time, representatives of our organization paid a visit to the family, in order to evaluate their needs and to ensure the best possible environment for the little girl’s rehabilitation and recovery. As soon as she got discharged, Aliki was immediately subjected to an intensive treatment program, which included physiotherapy sessions at home, but also sessions at a specialized facility. Her motor skills gradually began to improve, while she started to respond to external stimuli. However, the Christmas miracle came true these last few days, when the little girl began to talk, to play, to laugh and to walk without any assistance. The shock that her body had suffered due to the impact has gradually subsided, while her sensory and motor skills have shown great improvement. The little girl will proceed with her treatments until she makes a full recovery. Thanks to the ”Act of Kindness” organization’s immediate response and thanks to your defining contribution, today, this little girl has a chance to a better quality of life! On behalf of the family, we would like to kindly thank all of you for your support throughout this ordeal. You are the true heroes in this story! And together, we will keep on performing acts of kindness and hope!

The story of Marianthi who suffers from West syndrome

Marianthi is a 2-year-old girl who has been diagnosed with West syndrome (Epileptic encephalopathy), an extremely rare condition with onset in infancy that causes severe damage to the central nervous system. As a result, the little girl remains confined to a bed, unable to move or communicate, while she is exhibiting severe intellectual disability. As moths went by, the little girl frequently suffered from severe respiratory infections, as she could not clear oral and nasal secretions due to fact that she constantly remained in a lying position. She was often hospitalized and treated with IV antibiotics. Her daily life was quite challenging, since she also had trouble breathing. The doctors who cared for her strongly recommended that she were immediately submitted to an intensive respiratory and physio-kinetic therapy program, which would help improve her respiratory and metabolic functions and reduce muscle tightness and joint stiffness. They also recommended that the family acquired an adjustable bed, where the little girl would be able to lay in a reclining position and breathe more easily. Marianthi’s parents were doing the best they could in order to find a way to afford the necessary treatments and orthopedic devices that would improve their daughter’s quality of life.
However, that was impossible. Their health insurance only covered a small part of the expenses, and the mother could no longer work, since the little girl required 24 hour care. The family came to a dead end, so they decided to reach out to us for help. We paid a visit to the parents in order to evaluate the situation and they informed us about their needs in expendable medical supplies, medicine, orthopedic devices and physiotherapy sessions. We immediately organized the “Campaign for Marianthi’s rehabilitation”, in order to raise the sum required for the child’s medical needs and for a year’s worth treatment sessions. Within a short period of time, our little friend began to follow an intensive physiotherapy program and from the very first sessions, the caregivers noticed an improvement of her metabolic and respiratory functions. We visited an orthopedic store and we purchased the adjustable bed as well as a great amount of expendable medical supplies that were required for the little girl’s condition. Furthermore, we came in contact with the drug store from where the parents acquired their daughter’s medicine in order to settle their debt, while we paid in advance for the total cost of a year’s worth medication.
We also paid in advance for an annual home-based physiotherapy program. This way, the parents wouldn’t have to worry about the financial aspects; instead, they could focus all their energy in their child’s care. Together, we managed to provide to this family, emotional and moral support throughout their ordeal. But what’s most important is the fact that we managed to improve a little child’s quality of life. We sincerely hope that Marianthi’s condition continues to improve, while we pledge to stand by this family’s side for as long as it takes!

View Marianthi’s campaign

This 2,5 year-old girl has been diagnosed with West syndrome, an extremely rare condition with onset in infancy that causes epileptic spasms and severe motor deficit and cognitive impairment. When she was just three days old, she started manifesting epileptic seizures, which required specialized medication and long-term hospitalization.
Since then, the poor girl remains paralyzed, confined to a bed, unable to communicate or perceive her surroundings, while she is being fed by a nasogastric tube. Furthermore, due to the fact that she remains in a reclining position, she often suffers from severe respiratory infections which are treated with IV antibiotics.
The girl’s medical records have been thoroughly evaluated by the organization’s pediatrician, Mrs. Noula Paraskevi.
It’s imperative that the little girl is immediately subjected to regular physiotherapy sessions that will improve her respiratory functions and prevent bedsores and joint stiffness. However, her family cannot afford her treatments, nor the expendable medical supplies needed on monthly basis.
Let us all support Marianthi so that she can have a better quality of life!
Any contribution, big or small, can make a difference!
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Update 22.12.21
 
Together, we’ve made it happen!
 
Thanks to the immediate response and sensitivity of our fellow citizens we have managed to ensure the annual cost for Marianthi’s rehabilitation program! After your touching and immediate response, we have managed to ensure the costs — that are not covered by the family’s health insurance — for Marianthi’s physiotherapy sessions, for the necessary medication and for the expendable medical supplies, for a whole year.Furthermore, we have provided her with a specialized reclining bed that will improve her respiratory functions, since being confined to a bed, in a lying position, caused severe problems to her circulatory and respiratory system. Marianthi has been recently subjected to a series of physiotherapy sessions and her metabolic functions have already shown great improvement. Also, the joint stiffness symptoms she has been experiencing are gradually subsiding. We feel very optimistic about her condition and we believe that it will slowly but steady improve.
On behalf of her family, we would like to kindly thank all of you for your support and your defining contribution. Thanks to all of your help this child can have a better quality of life!We thank you from the bottom of our heart, for your defining support and for the trust you have been showing in us all these years.Any act of kindness, can offer the gift of life to so many children who need our help!

The story of Alexandros: The young man who beat cancer and made it back home!

It all started in November of 2019, when Alexandros Efraimidis — who was then 21 years old — was diagnosed with a malignant jaw tumor (cystic carcinoma). According to the attending doctors, his cancer was aggressive and inoperable; therefore they recommended that he were immediately subjected to chemotherapy treatments. Always with the love and support of his family, the young man started his first round of chemo, which was completed in 2020. However, the uphill struggle had just begun. Given the metastatic nature of his tumor, the doctors recommended that he were submitted to photon radiation. Alexandros’ mother contacted us in order to find the best possible treatment for her son. We immediately conducted a research regarding this specific type of cancer. Finally, we stumbled upon a specialized treatment, known as proton treatment, which wasn’t available in Greece; however it was conducted in the Essen University Hospital of Germany. After a throughout review of his medical records, the University department came to the conclusion that proton therapy was much more efficient compared to conventional radiation treatment, because it was based on charged particles; therefore the distribution of the dosage would be more selective without compromising the healthy tissue. The total cost of the course of treatments amounted to approximately 39,000 euros, without including other expenses, such as lodging and transportation for him and his mother, who had to accompany him to Germany during his hospitalization. The National Organization for the Provision of Health Services denied their request for covering a percentage of the costs, claiming that this type of cancer could be in fact treated by any other radiation treatment that was available in Greece. Alexandros’ family, who had never left his side throughout his ordeal, taking care of him and supporting him with all their powers, could not afford the cost of his treatments. However, the clock was ticking and due to the aggressive nature of his cancer, the young man had to be immediately subjected to the proton treatment, so that his cancer wouldn’t metastasize. All of us, who stood by his side from the very beginning, wished that he would receive the best possible treatment that would not jeopardize his health. We immediately launched a fundraising campaign and within just one week, we have managed to raise the amount required for this 21-year-old fighter’s hospitalization. Without wasting any time, we took care of all the paperwork procedures, we came in contact with the Essen University Hospital, we booked the hotel and the plane tickets for Alexandros and his mother, while we encouraged the family so that they could focus only on one thing: Alexandros’ recovery! The fundraising campaign begun in February 4th of 2021 and by the 24th of that same month, Alexandros was already in Germany for his first scheduled appointment at the Essen University Hospital. The treatments lasted for 2.5 months and were completed on May of 2021. During that time, we were in touch with his family and with the medical stuff of the Essen University Hospital, while providing psychological and moral support to the family. During his hospitalization, there were some additional expenses, as there was a need for anesthesia-related interventions, that weren’t included in the original cost. Always considering the best possible treatment for our friend, we immediately settled these additional expenses. The Organization disbursed a total amount of 55.000 euros for Alexandros’ treatment program (hospitalization, transportation, lodging, additional medical expenses). Alexandros completed his treatment program and on May 15th of 2021, he returned home as a winner! With tears of joy, members of the Organization, family and friends, gathered at the airport of Thessaloniki, in order to welcome him. We were extremely moved and also thankful for all of your support. This brave young man fought against all odds and beat his cancer! However, the attending doctors suggested that he should be regularly submitted to tests, as there is a chance that he requires further treatments down the road. We will keep on supporting this family for as long as needed, offering moral and psychological support and covering all the medical expenses that may arise during his recovery. We wish all the best for him and his family and we will be by their side in any way that we possibly can!

See the campaing of Alexandros

Alexandros Efraimidis is a 21 year-old young man from Thessaloniki, who urgently needs our help.
In November of 2019, Alexandros was diagnosed with a malignant jaw tumor. He underwent a biopsy that suggested adenoid cystic carcinoma. The young man was submitted to chemotherapy rounds that were completed in September of 2020. According to the attending doctors, the tumor is inoperable, since due to its location, an operation could put his life at serious risk.
Given the metastatic nature of his tumor, the doctors recommended that he were submitted to photon radiation. His family did a lot of research in order to find the best possible treatment for their son. Finally, they stumbled upon a specialized treatment, known as proton treatment, which is conducted in the West German Proton Therapy Centre, of the Essen University Hospital. After a throughout review of his medical records, the Oncology department came to the conclusion that “Proton therapy is much more efficient compared to conventional radiation treatment. Proton therapy is based on charged particles therefore the distribution of the dosage is more selective, compared to other radiation methods. This way, the healthy tissue, is far more protected”.
The total cost for the course of treatments amounts to approximately 29,000 euros. This sum does not include other expenses, such as lodging and transportation for him and his mother, who has to accompany him to Germany during his hospitalization. Based on his age and the spread of the cancer cells, the chief of Radiation Oncology Clinic, as well as the attending physicians, strongly recommended that Alexandros proceeds with the proton treatment. However, the National Organization for the Provision of Health Services denied their request for covering any of the costs, claiming that this type of cancer can be in fact treated by any other radiation treatment, which is available in Greece. Alexandros’ parents are divorced. His mother has never left his side throughout this ordeal therefore she is currently unable to work. It’s completely understandable that both mother and son want the best possible treatment, that won’t jeopardize his health. Unfortunately, his mother cannot afford the required expenses for his treatment in Germany. The young man’s chemo rounds ended four months ago, while it’s imperative that he proceeds with his treatments in order to make a full recovery.
Let us all contribute to save this young man’s life!
Together, we can stand by this family!

Update 12.02.2021

Together we’ve made it happen! 

Within a week, we have managed to gather 49,000 euros, a sum that will cover Alexandros’ course of treatments at the Essen University Hospital, as well as other expenses, such as lodging, transportation, alimentation and translation services for Alexandros and his mother.  The plane tickets have already been booked. 

The medical tests procedure will begin on February 24 and the course of treatments will begin on March 10. It’s estimated that he will remain there for approximately 2 months. 

We will keep you updated!

Update 24.02.2021

Today, Alexandros Efraimidis attended his first scheduled appointment in the Essen University Hospital. For the next few days he will be submitted to all the necessary tests, in order for the doctors to get an insight into his current state of health. The results will then be evaluated by the medical stuff, so that they can provide him with the best possible treatment. The course of treatments will begin on March 10 of 2021. 

We would like to kindly thank all of you for supporting this family throughout this ordeal!

The “Act of Kindness” organization will stand by this family’s side, for anything they might need, until Alexandros makes a full recovery. 

We will keep you updated!

Update 15.05.2021

Together, we have accomplished the impossible and we are extremely moved!Today, after completing the course of treatments, that lasted for about two months, at the Essen University Hospital in Germany, Alexandros Efraimidis returned home.With tears of joy, family members and friends, gathered at the airport of Macedonia, in order to welcome him by their own unique way.We would like to congratulate this brave young man for the courage he has been demonstrating all these years!We would also like to thank all of you from the bottom of our heart, for selflessly supporting this 21-year-old-man!Welcome home Alexandros!You are a winner!*According to the attending doctors, in three months he must be submitted to a series of tests in order to verify the treatment’s results.Thanks to your contribution, the Act of Kindness organization will stand by this family for as long as needed. We will keep you updated.

The story of Taxiarchis

Taxiarchis is a 2 year-old boy who has been suffering from hemophilia and tuberous sclerosis complex, since he was just a baby. The little boy needs to be immediately subjected to physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy sessions, since he is at the age where he should be reaching developmental milestones.
The little boy’s medical records have been thoroughly evaluated by the organization’s pediatrician, Mrs. Noula Paraskevi.
If he doesn’t begin his treatments soon, he will never be able to speak or walk and the damage will become irreversible. The boy also suffers from frequent epileptic seizures therefore it’s imperative that he receives the proper medication and care. However, his family cannot afford the estimated cost for all of these treatments.
Our contribution can provide this boy with a better quality of life!
Let us all stand by his side!

Update 15.11.2021

Thanks to your immediate response, Taxiarchis,  who is suffering from hemophilia and tuberous sclerosis complex, has been receiving all the necessary treatments, such as intensive physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy sessions. During these past 2 months that he is being subjected to the treatments, his motor and cognitive skills have shown great improvement. 

For those who aren’t familiar with this case, we should remind you that tuberous sclerosis complex is a serious neurological condition that causes frequent epileptic seizures and delay in speech and fine motor skills. It’s imperative that the child proceeds with his treatments, in order to start talking and walking on his own. 

Let us all support this boy’s effort to make his first steps and have a better quality of life!

Any contribution, big or small, can make a difference!

The story of Christos-Efraim

Together we stand by Christos-Efraim and “the journey of his life!

Christos-Efraim is a 15 month-old baby from Thessaloniki who has been diagnosed with a rare syndrome called Βeckwith-Wiedeman and suffers from liver cancer (hepatoblastoma). Even though he has completed the recommended rounds of chemo, the tumor has increased significantly. The attending doctors strongly recommended that the boy were transferred to the ISMETT transplant center of Palermo, in order to undergo a liver transplant. His parents are going to be tested in order to verify their compatibility and if they are compatible they will have the chance to offer once more the gift of life to their child.
The boy’s medical records have been thoroughly evaluated by the organization’s pediatrician, Mrs. Noula Paraskevi.
The hospitalization cost will be covered by the family’s medical insurance. However, the parents do not have the means to pay for their long-term stay in Palermo.
Let us all contribute, so that this little boy returns home healthy!
Together, we can give a ray of hope to this family!

Update 28.06.22

Christos-Efrem is blowing out his second birthday candles at home, surrounded by his toys and his family! 

It was a long journey, filled with difficulties and obstacles, but also filled with hope and thirst for life. Thankfully, this adventure had a happy ending. Two months ago, Christos-Efrem, the little boy from the city of Thessaloniki, won the battle against cancer and made it home.  After numerous and painful rounds of chemo, the little guy was successfully subjected to a liver transplant. His body didn’t reject the transplanted organ, while his recovery went very smoothly. After being hospitalized for several months in Palermo, the family returned to Greece, where Christos-Efrem will have to be frequently subjected to various tests as a precaution, in a public hospital. We would like to kindly thank all of you for standing by this family’s side, supporting them throughout this ordeal. 

Happy birthday, little guy! We sincerely wish you a long life, full of health and happiness! Your smile warms our hearts and gives us hope for a better world!

Update 11.08.21

Christos-Efraim has successfully completed his first round of chemo that lasted for 24 days. The procedure was painful however the side effects have begun to subside and the little fighter is once again smiling. According to the lab results, his cancer marker levels have gone down. Within the next few days he will be subjected to the second round of chemo until the transplant procedure can begin.  

Your immediate support and your kindness, has given strength to Christos-Efraim’s family throughout this ordeal.  

For those who aren’t familiar with this case, we should remind you that Christos-Efraim is a 15 month-old bay who suffers from hepatoblastoma, a rare form of liver cancer. For the last month he has been hospitalized at the ISMETT transplant center of Palermo, in order to undergo a liver transplant. Together, we keep on fighting, until this little boy returns home healthy!Together, we can give a ray of hope to this family!

Update 30.3.22

Great news regarding Christos-Efraim’s condition!  

We are extremely happy to announce that Christos-Efraim has been subjected to a successful liver transplant, since the doctors finally found a compatible donor that offered him a chance in life!  For the last 6 months, the little fighter has been hospitalized in Palermo, struggling daily in order to battle his cancer. When Christos-Efraim was just a little baby, he was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer (hepatoblastoma). His only hope to recover was a liver transplant.  After a long wait and numerous treatments, the doctors finally found a matching donor and Christos-Efraim was immediately subjected to a transplant operation. So far, everything looks good. There were no complications, while his body hasn’t rejected the transplanted organ.  The little boy is still being hospitalized in Palermo, while he is being closely monitored by the attending doctors. He is currently receiving the required immunosuppressive agents, while he is also being subjected to a final round of chemo, as a precaution.  This little fighter didn’t lose his courage, not even for a minute. He keeps smiling, sending us many kisses, reminding us that we should cherish every moment of our life. That we should never lose our faith and our hope. We will stand by this family’s side for as long as needed, hoping that Christos-Efraim soon returns home as a winner!

The story of Aggelos

Aggelos is a 6.5 year-old boy who has been suffering from brain cancer since the age of 3.
The onset of his condition was in early 2017 when, after manifesting headaches and mobility issues, he had his first MRI. On July 14 of the same year, he underwent a brain surgery, where he was diagnosed with stage 3 Ependymoma. He was then submitted to chemotherapy and radiation treatment, in order to eliminate the cancer cells. After the successful outcome of his treatments, the doctors recommended regular check-ups.
In April of 2020, during one of his routine check-ups, the doctors discovered 2 new brain tumors. He immediately underwent another surgery in order to remove the tumors, as well as a new round of chemo. It seems like Aggelos still has a long way ahead of him, since the chemotherapy is debilitating his system. Currently, the little boy is unable to receive food orally, since the rounds of chemo have caused him to experience stomach problems. He now receives nutrition through a feeding tube which is attached to him wherever he goes. Clearly exhausted by all these medical procedures, the little boy cannot go to school or keep up with the daily activities of children his age.
His family has never left his side, doing everything in their power to alleviate his suffering. The little boy needs care around the clock therefore his parents are unable to work until he gets better. The cost for his treatments, as well as the daily living expenses, has worn out his parents, both financially and emotionally.
Let us all contribute so that this little child can fight for his life!

Update 21.10.2021

Aggelos is a 7 year-old boy urgently needs our help, since after fighting this uneven battle for 4 years, his anaplastic ependymoma has significantly increased.

The boy needs to be immediately admitted to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he will undergo a surgery in order to remove the entire brain tumor. The surgery will be performed by the specialized neurosurgeon, Dr.Basilios Zountsas.  

The cost for the operation and hospitalization amounts to 20,000 euros, a sum that his family cannot afford.

Together, we can stand by this little hero!

Together, we can save a child’s life!

Update 02.11.2021

Little Aggelos will be soon admitted to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he will undergo a surgery in order to remove his brain tumor, since his anaplastic ependymoma has significantly increased. 

The surgery is scheduled for the 4 of November and it will be performed by the specialized neurosurgeon, Dr.Basilios Zountsas. 

Thanks to your immediate response, we have managed to gather 16,000 euros within just a week. We hope that soon we will be able to gather the remaining 4,000 euros that are required for the operation to cover the total amount of 20,000 charged to the surgery costs.

Together, we can stand by this little hero!

Together, we can save a child’s life!

Update 05.11.2021

We are extremely happy to inform you that after 4 years of fighting cancer and after 2 consecutive surgeries and numerous treatments, the surgery in order to remove the brain tumor was a complete success. The operation was performed by the specialized neurosurgeon, Dr.Basilios Zountsas, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Thessaloniki. 

After a long and complicated surgery due to the location and the size of the tumor, the surgeon managed to remove the entire tumor, as confirmed by his post-op MRI. 

Thanks to the removal of the tumor and a series of specialized treatments that the boy will follow, the attending doctors feel very optimistic about his recovery.

Thanks to your immediate response, we have managed to gather the required amount of money in order to save this boy’s life who has been fighting this uneven battle ever since he was just a baby. 

On behalf of his family, we would like to thank all of you from the bottom of our heart for your defining support.

We would also like to congratulate Dr.Basilios Zountsas and his medical team for their immediate response and for the service they provide, always with respect and dedication. The “Act of Kindness” organization will stand by this family’s side for as long as needed. We will keep you updated.

The story of Antonis

Antonis Georgopoulos is a 10 year-old boy from the village of Kidonia in Imathia. He suffers from severe cerebral palsy, severe cognitive impairment, spastic quadriplegia and drug-resistant epilepsy.
In 2019, and while being perfectly healthy, he was diagnosed with FIRES syndrome, which resulted to paralysis of his central nervous system. Until this day, Antonis remains confined to a bed. He has no awareness of his surroundings and he is unable to move.
This child immediately needs physiotherapy sessions on a daily basis, in order to avoid irreversible damage to his musculoskeletal system.
The boy’s medical records have been thoroughly evaluated by the organization’s pediatrician, Mrs. Noula Paraskevi.
Let us all contribute so that this young boy can have a better quality of life!
Any contribution, big or small, can make a difference!

Update 31.08.2021

Thanks to the immediate response and sensitivity of our fellow citizens we have managed to provide Antonis with the necessary medical equipment. A number of benefactors have donated a nebulizer, a specialized oximeter and an electric adjustable bed. 

On behalf of his family, we would like to kindly thank all of you for your immediate response! Your sense of solidarity and your genuine concern, has given a ray of hope to this young boy and his family. 

However, Antonis still has a long way to go. He must proceed with his physiotherapy sessions in order to avoid irreversible damage to his musculoskeletal system.

Update 17.10.2021

Thanks to your generous contribution, for the past month Antonis is being subjected to all the necessary physiotherapy treatments on daily basis. The results so far show a great improvement of his respiratory and metabolic functions. Also, the boy has gradually begun to regain a slight movement of his extremities. The next goal will be introducing a series of new exercises while wearing a torso narthex. This will gradually improve his body posture and eliminate the formation of bedsores. 

We would also like to remind you, that thanks to your immediate response, the family has acquired in just seven days, the medical equipment which was indispensable for the improvement of this boy’s health. 

On behalf of Antonis’ family, we would like to kindly thank all of you for your defining support. We will stand by this family’s side for as long as needed. Your contribution is of the essence, so that the little boy can carry on with his treatments. 

Together, we can give a ray of hope to this family!

The story of Vasilis

On October 25 of 2020, little Vasilis, who was 6 months old at the time, was rushed to the hospital after manifesting high fever and ear swelling. The little boy had been hospitalized there for 3 weeks, while the attending physicians were trying to understand what was causing the high fever. Since the doctors couldn’t make a diagnosis, he was transferred to “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital in order to undergo a series of tests. The results indicated that the little boy suffered from a rare form of chronic granulomatous disease, which requires a bone marrow transplant. Crushed by this unforeseen situation, his family is struggling to support him in any way possible. In the midst of the pandemic, they have to constantly travel back and forth, in order to care for their baby who he is being hospitalized in Athens. Vasilis still has a long way to go, since according to medical data, he suffers from an extremely rare form of this disease and the medical treatments in order for this child to survive are very expensive.
Let us all stand by this family throughout this ordeal and pray so that little Vasilis returns home as soon as possible!

Update 29.01.2021

After a long-term hospitalization, Vasilis got discharged from the hospital, where was diagnosed with a rare form of chronic granulomatous disease, which requires a bone marrow transplant. All this time, he was subjected to all the necessary treatments, while being closely monitored by the medical and nursing stuff. When his condition got stabilized, the attending doctors recommended that he should return home, until a compatible bone marrow donor was found. Following doctor’s orders, the little guy returned home, where he now receives his treatments in a fully sterilized environment. He has managed to gain some weight and he frequently visits the hospital in order to be subjected to the necessary tests. His father and little sister are taking good care of him and thanks to your defining contribution they have managed to overcome their daily struggles. 

But the problems of this family don’t stop here. While the baby was struggling to stay alive, the mother suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the UCI of the University Hospital. The doctors managed to keep her stabilized, but the mother suffered acute quadriplegia. Currently, she is unable to move and function properly therefore she is being hospitalized to a rehabilitation center, where she is subjected to a series of treatments in order to get better. We still don’t know how long it’s going to take until the mother makes a full recovery, since her condition depends on various factors. The mother wasn’t informed about her baby’s condition until recently, since this information could have had a negative impact on her already critical condition. Due to these difficult circumstances the father is unable to work, since he has to take care of his wife and children. 

We would like to kindly thank all of you for supporting this family! The boy and the mother still have a long way to go, but thanks to your defining contribution, the “Act of Kindness” organization will keep on supporting this family for as long as needed.

Update 06.04.2021

Thanks to your defining contribution, Vasilis’ health has shown great improvement. He still remains home, where he is being submitted to all the necessary treatments, while he is being cared for by his father and little sister. If his condition remains stable, he will soon be transferred to a specialized medical center along with the candidate donor, in order to verify their compatibility. His mother’s condition has also shown great improvement, thanks to the care of the medical and nursing stuff of the rehabilitation clinic. She now has full control of her abdominal muscles, as well as parts of her left hand. The attending doctors feel very optimistic about her condition. The mother keeps on fighting, while praying for the best possible outcome for her and her son.  

We would like to kindly thank all of you for supporting this family. The little boy and the mother still have a long way to go, but thanks to your defining contribution, the “Act of Kindness” organization will keep on supporting this family for as long as needed.

We will keep you updated.

Update 24.05.2021

The latest information regarding Vasilis’ condition, are very promising. Thanks to your defining contribution, and after being submitted to all the necessary treatments, the little baby was transferred today, on 24.5.2021, to the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit (BMTU) of “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital, accompanied by his father. According to the attending doctors, the bone marrow transplant procedures have already begun. After a series of tests, the doctors concluded that the person who can offer him a chance in life, the person who constitutes a compatible donor, is his older sister. The little baby will remain hospitalized for the next month and a half until the procedure is completed. Then, he will be transferred to a specially-formed, sterilized wing, where he will remain for 2 more months, in order to receive the medical care that he needs. The mother is still being hospitalized at the rehabilitation clinic and she will remain there until she makes a full recovery.

Update 30.07.2021

We are deeply saddened to say goodbye to our beloved Vasilis, who spent the past 9 months fighting this uneven battle to stay alive.

On May of 2021, following doctors’ recommendations, the 13 month-old baby was subjected to a bone marrow transplant. In spite of the great medical care he had received, the little baby passed away, while in the ICU, due to transplant complications.

We would like to express our sincere condolences to his family, for their terrible loss, and we pledge to support them for everything they might need.

Rest in peace little guy! 

*The sum that was raised thanks to all of you, will be given to his family, as a minimum contribution for everything they are going through.

The story of Maria – Helen and the rescue of her right leg

The touching story of the brave girl begins at a very young age, when she was diagnosed with a failure to form the upper part of her right leg (thigh). This condition made it extremely difficult to support, walk and functionally the leg from infancy to adulthood. Maria-Helen could not use her right leg and walk normally, even with the use of aids. Due to all these malformations and deficiencies from the age of 1.5 years (2005) to 2021, when she was 18 years old, she had undergone multiple surgeries to restore her health.
Allies and guardian angels in this difficult struggle, her parents, who supported her and continue to support her in every possible way all these years. Her father was forced to quit his job in 2019, as due to severe stress he suffered a severe myocardial infarction while the mother was the only member of the family who could work. Parents were trying to support their child in his long rehabilitation and by 2021 they had spent more than 200,000 euros on hospitals and doctors. But the needs were great and the road long.
The extra surgeries could not be performed as, of course, the resources were exhausted. In May 2021, the father contacted us asking for our intervention to restore his child’s health. We immediately proceeded to a thorough social and medical research to find the most effective solution regarding the course of the medical actions required. The total estimated cost of the operations and treatments that our beloved friend had to undergo, amounted to 30,000 Euros.
Without any delay, we proceeded to a campaign to raise the amount of money while at the same time we offered psychological and moral support to the family members with the aim of encouraging and raising their morale. In the course of just one month we collected and offered the family the required amount that would offer Maria-Eleni the healthy future she deserved!
At the same time and always with a view to creating the best possible conditions for the restoration of our little one’s health, we settled previous financial debts of the family related to relevant medical interventions. In the very next period, Maria-Eleni underwent two successful operations and gradually continues her treatments until her complete restoration.
All this time we are firmly on the side of our beloved friend and her family, we support them in counseling, we encourage them for their struggle and we try to relieve them in every possible way. We continue and will continue to be by their side in the future providing the care and support they need!

See the campaing of Maria – Helen

Maria-Eleni is an 18 year-old girl from Giannitsa who urgently needs our help, in order to save her right leg!
Until this day, this brave young girl has been subjected to numerous operations, since she was diagnosed at a very young age, with congenital limb defect, which means that the ligaments in the tibiofemoral and pelvic joints, the femur and the muscles surrounding these areas, have not been formed properly. As a result the young girl experiences difficulty when walking, even when using orthopedic devices.
The surgeries so far have been successful. However, she still has a long way to go, since, according to the attending doctors, it’s imperative that she undergoes a series of additional surgeries on the tibiofemoral joint since the ligament damage is so severe that she is not able to stand on her own. Furthermore, she must be subjected to additional plastic surgeries due to deformed scars and muscular dystrophy.
Her parents have been supporting her every step of the way. However, her father had to quit his job two years ago, since, due to prolonged stress, he suffered a severe myocardial infarction. Currently, her mother is the sole financial provider of their household. Till this day, her parents have spent over 200,000 euros for surgeries and medical expenses. The cost for these additional surgeries amounts to 30,000 euros, a sum that the family cannot afford.
*The Act of Kindness organization, took on this case after the parents’ call for help. The girl’s medical records have been thoroughly examined by the organization’s pediatrician, Mrs. Noula Paraskevi.
Let us all contribute so that this young girl can have a better quality of life!
Together, we can give a ray of hope to Maria-Eleni and her family!
Any contribution, big or small, can make a difference!

Update 26.07.2021

Together we’ve made it happen!

Thanks to the sensitivity and support of hundreds of people from Greece, but also from abroad, we have managed to raise the required amount for Maria-Eleni’s surgeries. 

The sum that was raised thanks to your immediate response amounts to 40,000 euros. 30,000 euros will be required for the necessary surgeries and her hospitalization, while the remaining 10,000 euros will be given to her family in order to pay some of their debts they have accumulated from her previous treatments. 

On behalf of her family, we would like to kindly thank all of you for your support and your defining contribution. 

The “Act of Kindness” organization will stand by this family until this 18 year-old-girl makes a full recovery.

We will keep you updated!

The story of Georgia-Sofia

Georgia-Sofia is a 16 year-old girl from Preveza who urgently needs our help!
On July of 2017, Georgia-Sofia, who was 13 years old at the time, had been in a car accident with her parents. She had sustained massive craniocerebral injuries and she was rushed to the hospital of Preveza. Following the doctors’ orders, she was transferred to the General Hospital of Ioannina G. Hatzikostas and three days later she was transferred to the University Hospital of Ioannina, where she was subjected to a craniectomy. A month later, she was transferred to the ICU of the Children’s Hospital “P. & A. Kyriakou”, where the attending doctors came to the conclusion that her condition didn’t require any more surgeries, since she was in a vegetative state. Following doctors’ orders, on September of 2017, the young girl was once again transferred to a private rehabilitation clinic in Larissa, in order to be treated by physiatrist. From November 2017 till December of the same year, Georgia-Sofia was subjected to three cranioplasty surgeries. The operations were successful and her eye contact gradually started to improve. The young girl returned to the rehabilitation clinic in order to proceed with her treatments and in August of 2020 she finally returned home. Thanks to her two-year hospitalization, and thanks to the tremendous help of the attending physicians, Georgia-Sofia’s condition has shown some improvement.
However, she still has a long way to go, since, according to the official medical report, she suffers from spastic quadriplegia and has a 95% disability rating. The attending doctors have strongly recommended that she proceeds with her physiotherapy and speech therapy sessions, since she cannot function on her own.
Her parents have never left her side doing everything they possibly can in order to alleviate her suffering. Her mother was also severely injured in the car accident, therefore she cannot work or care for her daughter. The father had to quit his job since he had to take care of his wife and daughter. The parents had rented an apartment in Larissa, so that they could be close to their daughter during her hospitalization in the rehabilitation clinic. Even though a part of the expenses was paid by their health insurance, Georgia-Sofia’s condition has taken a toll on the parents, both financially and emotionally. Today, the family cannot afford the recommended treatments for their daughter’s recovery.
Together, we can help Georgia-Sofia get her life back!
Together, we can stand by this family!

Update 02.07.2021

According to the attending physicians who have been treating her on daily basis, Georgia-Sofia’s condition has shown great improvement. She now receives nutrients orally therefore, her weight is gradually stabilizing. Furthermore, her lab results look very promising. 

Thanks to her physiotherapist, Mr. Apostolis Tsilakos, Georgia-Sofia is slowly but steady overcoming her mobility issues, since she can now use the standing device for up to 30 minutes at a time. According to the child psychiatrist who is treating her, the improvement of her physical health, combined with the loving environment of her home, has also improved her mental health. 

However, she still has a long way to go, since it’s imperative to proceed with her treatments, in order to make a full recovery. 

We would like to kindly thank all of you, for supporting Georgia-Sofia and her family! 

Thanks to your defining contribution, the “Act of Kindness” organization will keep on supporting this family for as long as needed.

We will keep you updated!