“Cancer cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot conquer the spirit.”
What if a single act of generosity could spark a life-saving breakthrough? Nearly 200 members of the Greek-American community gathered in Edison, New Jersey, on November 8, 2025, to show that generosity can still change lives.
That spirit of giving runs deep in AHEPA’s history. For decades, chapters across the country have united in service and fellowship to support causes that strengthen communities. The Fifth District AHEPA Family Cancer Research Foundation, Inc. carries that legacy forward. Founded in 1988 as an all-volunteer organization, it has spent nearly four decades funding innovative cancer research at leading medical institutions—turning compassion into scientific progress.
That mission came to life once again at this year’s gala. The evening began with a strong sense of purpose 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.
Among those honored were Antoinette Maroussis-Zachariades, Daughters of Penelope Grand President, recognized for her leadership in philanthropy, and Chris Kaitson, Supreme President of the Order of AHEPA, who spoke about the organization’s lasting commitment to community service and cancer research.
At the heart of the evening were the three 2025 grant recipients, representing some of the nation’s most respected research institutions:
- 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.
Each project reflects a shared belief in the power of science and community support to improve and extend lives.
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.
As the program drew to a close, Co-Chair Andrew C. Zachariades thanked the volunteers, trustees, and donors who have sustained the Foundation’s work for nearly four decades. When the formalities ended, the ballroom came alive with music, dancing, and heartfelt embraces—a fitting celebration of hope, progress, and unity.
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.
For more information or to support the Foundation’s mission:
Fifth District AHEPA Family Cancer Research Foundation, Inc.
305 Worth Street, Brick, NJ 08724
Email: fifthdistrictahepacrf@gmail.com
Watch: Voices from the 37th Annual Gala
At this year’s gala in Edison, New Jersey, Cosmos Philly spoke with Andrew C. Zachariades, Thomas Sulich, Antoinette Maroussis-Zachariades, Chris Kaitson, and other members of the AHEPA Family about the Foundation’s ongoing impact.
In the video below, they share reflections on service, generosity, and the work that continues to unite the community in the fight against cancer.