Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson attended the District five 37th annual Cancer Research Gala this weekend in Edison, New Jersey. The event boasted nearly 200 members and gave three impressive grants to some of the nation’s most respected research institutions.
The evening began as Co-Chairs Andrew C. Zachariades, PSP, and Sophia Fountoukidis opened the program with the national anthems of Greece and the United States, followed by an invocation from Rev. Fr. John Theodosion. Chairman Thomas Sulich welcomed guests and reflected on the Foundation’s long history of volunteerism and generosity.
During the gala, the Supreme President spoke about the organization’s lasting commitment to community service and cancer research, and Antoinette Maroussis-Zachariades, Daughters of Penelope Grand President, received recognition for her leadership in philanthropy.
The event was hosted by the Fifth District AHEPA Family Cancer Research Foundation, Inc., an all-volunteer organization that’s spent nearly four decades funding innovative cancer research.
Recipients of the 2025 Grants are as follows:
Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, for studies on extracellular vesicle mechanisms in pre-metastatic bone formation, led by Dr. David C. Lyden, Dr. Jane Howard, and the Stavros S. Niarchos Professorship team.
Fox Chase Cancer Center, for developing anti-stroma drug therapies to combat pancreatic cancer, led by Dr. Edna Cukierman, Dr. Alessandro Dolskii, and Dr. Sergio Alcantara dos Santos.
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, for clinical studies on weight-loss interventions and outcomes in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, led by Dr. Coral Omene and her research team.
The evening’s most emotional moment came when cancer survivor Peter Bosco shared his story of recovery and resilience. His words reminded everyone why this mission continues—because behind every research grant is a family, a patient, and a life worth saving.
Closing the evening, Co-Chair Andrew C. Zachariades thanked the volunteers, trustees, and donors who have sustained the Foundation’s work for nearly four decades, and when the formalities ended, the ballroom came alive with music, dancing, and heartfelt embraces.
The Fifth District AHEPA Family Cancer Research Foundation stands as proof that when a community comes together, compassion becomes discovery, and generosity helps save lives.
To view a video highlighting the evening, courtesy of the Cosmos Philly, click the link below.
Additional thanks are owed to the Cosmos Philly for their photographs from the evening and written summary of events, which are available on their website at cosmosphilly.com