Fifth District AHEPA Cancer Research Foundation, Inc
about the foundation
our mission
we're determined to find the cure for cancer.
Our History
The foundation was formed in October 1988 from humble beginnings.
We fundraise & provide grants to scientists and medical institutions on the front lines of finding a cure to cancer.
Grants & Awards
Our grants have resulted in life-changing discoveries that have been recognized globally.
foundation history
our story
The Foundation was formed in October 1988, by the Fifth District Order of AHEPA to raise funds from its members and the general public for research grants. Shortly after, the Fifth District Daughters of Penelope came on board uniting the AHEPA Family behind a common cause of philanthropic support of cancer research.
The Foundation volunteers began their fundraising efforts in March of 1989. Armed with collection canisters thus inaugurated the humble beginnings of collecting donations to provide funding for cancer research.
Through the efforts of the “all volunteer” Board of Trustees, the Foundation presented its first grant award in the Fall of 1990 to Fox Chase Cancer Center in the amount of $5,000.
Through the generosity and support of individuals and the expansion of several new fundraising events, the Foundation has significantly increased its financial support one hundred fold. As of 2015 the Foundation has been honored and privileged to award approximately $945,000 to the men and women who diligently work towards a cure for cancer. No one receives a salary or any compensation and administrative costs are kept to a minimum of 2%.
our mission
we fund life saving research
The mission of the Foundation is to facilitate fundraising and to award grants to scientists and medical research institutions whose primary goal is to find a cure for cancer. The Fifth District AHEPA Cancer Research Foundation, Inc. is tax-exempt under 501 ( c ) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are deductible under the 170 (a) (2). We may accept employer matching grant donations.
The Foundation has a fiduciary responsibility to raise and maintain funds to ensure that funds will be available to provide cancer research grants. All of this is achieved through the generous support of the Chapters, individual members, private and public donors as well as the fundraising efforts of the Foundation. The members of the Foundation are all voluntaries and are not compensated; as a matter of fact, many donate out of their pockets to offset operational costs and diligently work to raise funds.
GRANT RECIPIENTS
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Fox Chase Cancer Center
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Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
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Weill Cornell Medical College Children’s Blood Foundation
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital
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Robert Wood Johnson
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Montclair State University
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Hackensack Medical Center
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Christiana Care Health Services
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New York Presbyterian Hospital
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Coriell Institute for Medical Research
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Cancer Institute of New Jersey Pediatric Cancer
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University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
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St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center of Columbia University
ABOUT US
Our Board of Directors
The Foundation consists of the following Board of Directors:
Executive Board of Trustees
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Tom Sulich Chairman
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Melissa E. Martakis Vice Chairman
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Joanna Drosos Recording Secretary
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Andrew C. Zachariades Treasurer
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Viveca Sulich Corresponding Secretary
Elected Board of Trustees
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Kelly Papacristos
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George N. Pappas
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Joann P. Szela
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Demi Thomas
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Sammy J. Thomas
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Evellyn Tsiadis
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Louis Stefanou
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Valerie Vittas
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Joanne Zibung-Theodorou
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Eleni Boyadjis
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Dr. Zenon Christodoulou
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Cosmas Diamantis
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Dina Fanikos
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Evans John
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Richard Kintzing
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John Koninis
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Ion Kontolios
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Antoinette Marousis-Zachariades
Appointed Members
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Order of AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope, District Governors
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Order of AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope, District Lt. Governors
