“Spending Easter without them? Spending Easter without the young patients of ELPIDA?” This thought was unbearable for Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, who, in the 30 years since ‘ELPIDA’ was founded, has never spent the Holy Week without sharing her prayers in person and tightly embracing the children of ‘ELPIDA’, and without sharing the worries and hopes of their parents.
However, love always finds a way and chooses new paths. So, the joy of the children and parents at the Children’s Oncology Unit was indescribable, when Marianna V. Vardinoyannis contacted them via Skype! This different meeting transpired with “indescribable emotion and lightness of spirit”, as Mrs Vardinoyannis described her feelings.
Because during these trying times and in view of the Holy Days of Easter, Mrs Vardinoyannis once again stood at the side of the people of the Children’s Oncology Unit, to give everyone strength and courage, and to talk with them, creating a bridge of love, albeit at a distance. Her words warmed the heart of children, parents, and staff members, providing them with optimism and hope.
“I have missed you a lot. I am thinking of you and I love you very much! As soon as all of this is over, I will come to the Hospital and give you a big hug! Stay strong and know that I will be at your side, no matter what you need!”, were the words of Mrs Vardinoyannis to 8-year-old Christos. A true fighter for life: He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2014, and since then, instead of carefree games with the other children, he has been forced into a real battle against a cruel opponent. So far he has come out on top, despite the continuous difficulties. Because Christos is ELPIDA (HOPE) itself, he is a child of ELPIDA who never gives up the fight for his own life!
Young Christos was moved and he responded that he had missed her, too, and that he couldn’t wait to see her in person.
There was a similar atmosphere during her chat with Chara, mother of 2.5-year-old Panagiotis, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Chara was moved to tears when she saw Mrs Vardinoyannis on her computer monitor. “I feel so close to you. You are in my prayers every night for what you have provided. I cannot begin to imagine how we would have dealt with what has happened to us, if we were not in this environment. Speaking to you is like a dream come true for me. Thank you for everything”, Chara said, among other things, to Mrs Vardinoyannis. “I will be at your side for anything you need. I am a mother and a grandmother, and I am well aware of what you are going through. When this is all over I will be there, next to you, to hold you tightly in my arms!” Mrs Vardinoyannis answered.
Emotions ran high and people were moved to tears at the Oncology Unit, when the President of ‘ELPIDA’ contacted representatives of the employees and nursing staff of the Oncology Unit, seeing as this was the first Easter during which Mrs Vardinoyannis did not attend, due to the circumstances, and support employees, thanking them and embracing them as she does every year.
“It is so joyous and moving for me to have the opportunity to see you and talk with you. I feel like you are part of my family. I have missed you and the children so much. Even though I cannot be there due to the circumstances, I want you to know that my thoughts and my heart are always with you. You are our children’s guardian angels, the pillars of our Hospital. Everything we have achieved over 30 years at the side of the children and their families would have been impossible without you. I am well aware that, especially during this period, you have been struggling and striving under very difficult conditions, steadfastly supporting our children, and for that I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. You are our heroes!” said an emotional Mrs Vardinoyannis.
In fact, as a small indication of her gratitude for the superhuman efforts they are making under such difficult conditions, Mrs Vardinoyannis wanted to thank them by providing them with tangible support during the Holy Days of Easter. So, supermarket gift vouchers were distributed to everyone, so they could purchase the Easter products necessary for themselves and their families.
On their side, the Hospital staff thanked Mrs Vardinoyannis, as they were moved by the fact that even under such difficult conditions she actively remained by their side, supporting the Unit with all her strength.
Ms Maria Thanou who works in the custodial department and Ms Dimitra Mai who works in security were especially emotional when they spoke with Mrs Vardinoyannis.
“We love you and miss you!” said Ms Mai, while Ms Thanou thanked Mrs Vardinoyannis, saying: “On behalf of all the cleaning staff, I would like to thank you for thinking of us during these trying times for Greece! Thank you for everything!” “I should thank you for everything you do! You are the real heroes!” Mrs Vardinoyannis responded.
The President of ‘ELPIDA’ also sent her best wishes to the Director and the medical and nursing staff of the Hospital, and they did the same.
“You are at our side and participate in all aspects providing a better life for our children, and this is all thanks to you! Thank you for everything!”, said oncologist Dr Evgenios Gousetis.
“On behalf of the entire nursing staff I would like to thank you for thinking of us and honouring us during these times. May the light of the Resurrection guide your footsteps. This will all be over soon and we will all come out of it stronger and better people”, said the Head of TAO Mrs Sophia Vasila.
“We know that we are always in your heart and on your mind, even during these dark hours. Thank you for everything! Happy Easter to you and your family”, said the Head of the BMTU, Mrs Charalambia Tzavara.
“Thank you for everything. Just thinking of us was the greatest gift. Always be well! Happy Easter!” said the Head of Special Treatments Clinic, Mrs Charoula Boukouvala.
“We have missed your presence, but we know that you are always near us. We always feel like you are beside us, near us. Thank you for everything!” said the Director of the Children’s Hospital, Mr Manolis Papasavvas.
“We know that your thoughts are always with us. The children and the parents feel the same way. Your love is always with us. And the church you recently provided, especially during these days, is a refuge for everyone at the Hospital”, said the Director of the Oncology Unit, Mrs Agapi Doumou.
Mrs Vardinoyannis gave special thanks to Mr Papasavvas and Mrs Ntoumou for their invaluable contribution to the work of the Oncology Unit.
Warm and heartfelt wishes! Love found a way to make this Easter special!