If you thought “love” was only a four-letter word, you are incorrect. “Love” is actually spelled “Philoptochos”. Yes, that’s right – all 12 letters, and all 57 chapters and 4,000 Philoptochos members in the Metropolis of San Francisco. The ministry of Philoptochos continues to be relevant, life-changing and joy-filled through all their good works, but most especially through the Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape ministry which has made a difference in the lives of young children with cancer and their families for over 30 years.
This year’s Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos Agape Celebration of Love was a virtual event held on Sunday, April 11, 2021, but it was still filled with love, enthusiasm and generosity, providing for another summer of virtual Camp Agape experiences for these children and their families. While it’s not the same as having a bubble slide, whipped cream pies, and dance parties, virtual Camp Agape still fills a great need in the lives of these precious children and brings a glimmer of hope and a lot of love to them during this time of great need.
Over 200 people attended this virtual event which began with a beautiful music presentation by the talented Nicholas Fettis from Carmel, CA, playing some love-themed music. Nicholas is a long-time Camp Agape volunteer and has supported this ministry for many years.
In her remarks, Metropolis Philoptochos President Jeannie Ranglas shared that the pandemic has not deterred the spirit of Philoptochos when it came to Camp Agape. She further explained that beyond just the program supplies and special gifts for the virtual camp, the Metropolis Philoptochos also assists families in need with medical expenses and have provided for a dignified burial for the precious angels that have gone to the Lord following their battle with cancer. “Anyone can make a donation, but you are choosing to make a difference! All you need to do is see the faces of the children to witness the significance of your investment in Camp Agape”, remarked Jeannie Ranglas. “Please know that the agape you are sharing goes far beyond just money, it truly touches the hearts of children who have become part of our extended family.”
One of the Camp Agape families from San Diego – Jessica Davidson and her parents Todd and Julia – provided a wonderful music presentation during the event. Julia is 12-years old, a four-year cancer survivor and at 12-years old, and a captivating singer.
Video highlights from all four Camp Agape programs were shared, and included pictures and messages from families expressing their gratitude to the Metropolis Philoptochos for their generosity and for remembering the needs of these children, who are just longing to be treated just as kids, and not looked at as a cancer diagnosis. Watch the videos featuring the four camps in Portland, OR; Dunlap, CA; San Diego, CA; and Arizona; and witness the joy of this ministry and how your support makes a difference. A special video from the Saint Nicholas School in Northridge, CA was also featured, where the children raised money for Kids ‘n’ Cancer, wanting to share of their own resources so that other kids could have opportunities for fun and fellowship.
Metropolitan Gerasimos congratulated Jeannie Ranglas and the entire Metropolis Philoptochos for their incredible generosity for over three decades, serving those with the greatest needs and at a most fragile time in their lives. “When the Metropolis Philoptochos says ‘Give Your Heart to a Child’, it is actually the other way around. It is these children who are giving their hearts to us, and teaching us to face adversity with grace, strength, and yes – even joy! And just as this event is so appropriately named this year, we are “United in Peace and Love” as we embrace the Kids ‘n’ Cancer ministry, with our common vision to work together and uplift these precious children and give them hope, joy and love,” commented His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “The words ‘Kids’ and ‘Cancer’ shouldn’t belong together, but sadly, cancer has no boundaries – age, race, religion, people from all walks of life. But what combats that scary diagnosis is the gift of Agape – of love – that is shared with each and every one of you, along with our prayers for your comfort and healing.”
By the end of the afternoon event, over $215,000 was raised through the generosity of individual donations, Philoptochos Chapter contributions, and proceeds from the sale of Agape Mystery Boxes and Kids ‘n’ Cancer bracelets. A limited number of bracelets are still available for purchase online for only $25 each, with all proceeds benefiting Camp Agape.
For more information, please visit www.sfphiloptochos.org.
