The Agape Reception hosted by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos celebrated the beautiful ministry of Kids ‘n’ Cancer which has been providing unconditional love and hope for children with cancer and their families since 1985. Over $300,000 was raised through this event, and chapter donations from throughout the Metropolis, all of whom demonstrate such love and commitment to this ministry.
Nearly 300 people gathered on Sunday, May 7 at the Newport Beach Country Club in Newport Beach, CA for a festive afternoon of fellowship and fundraising in support of Camp Agape which offers four in-person camps throughout the Metropolis. Attendees also participated virtually, bringing together even more people to witness the joy of this ministry and its transformative power.
In her welcoming remarks, Metropolis Philoptochos President Jeannie Ranglas described the Camp Agape campers and their families by saying, “They have taught us so many lessons in bravery and faith and resiliency. How can we not be inspired by their stories, and how can we, as Philoptochos, not do everything in our power to bring them joy, and to impart faith, hope and love?” She continued on to reflect on “angels like Kimi, Alexandra, Roxanne, Joseph, and so many others whose lives were taken too young by cancer. But we have to remember that we are here to make a difference. And when we are not here, we continue to make a difference in our parishes through the other charitable works of Philoptochos, with the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund, with our Women’s Wellness and Awareness program, and Social Services.”
The Martinez family offered heartfelt words of gratitude to Philoptochos for helping them through a very dark and difficult time when their son, Jaccob, now 15, we diagnosed with acute leukemia. His parents, Ruth and Pedro, said they felt like they found a “home” at Camp Agape, and their shared journey with other families gave them strength and hope. Jaccob also spoke about how Camp Agape gave him opportunities to make new friends who understood what he was going through.
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos challenged the Metropolis Philoptochos with these words, “Do not just keep doing what you are doing. Dig deeper. Do more. Do not stop. Cancer is a relentless disease that has touched everyone’s lives. But with Camp Agape, cancer goes away for those special days shared with family and friends. Kids can be kids. Parents make new friends. The journey of cancer becomes a shared one, with Philoptochos leading the way so that, even just for a moment, troubles are left behind and hope for the future shines brightly through their good works.”
This year, the Metropolis Philoptochos was the honored recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer. These funds were made possible through the Believe Walk and their founder and chair, Annie Sellas, to further provide for the Kids ‘n’ Cancer ministry, making a difference in the lives of these young people and their families who deserve a brighter, cancer-free future.
Look for Camp Agape 2023 this summer in Mayer, AZ (June 9 – 11), San Diego, CA (July 28 – 30), Portland, OR (August 5 – 10), and Dunlap, CA (August 18 – 20).
When describing the work of the Metropolis Philoptochos and their commitment to Kids ‘n’ Cancer, Metropolitan Gerasimos remarked, “If angels walked this earth, I am certain they would be our Philoptochos!”
For more information on Camp Agape and the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos, please visit: www.sfphiloptochos.org.
Photo Credit: Allen Altchech Photography