Annual New Year’s event

It is a Greek tradition, around New Year’s, to serve a cake called Vasilopita. Vasilopita is no normal cake. It has a hidden golden coin and it is said that whoever gets the piece with the coin will be lucky in the upcoming year. Naturally, our Association wanted to stick to this beautiful tradition and we annually make sure to cut a cake, large enough for all our members!

On Sunday January 20th the Artemis Association held the annual New Year’s gathering where doctors and parents had the opportunity to attend a conference on the topic of “Pregnancy and Hystiocytic Disorders”. The event was once again graciously funded by “Prime Marine” Shipping Company.

During the event two distinct doctors and scholars gave presentations on how Histiocytic Disorders affect women during pregnancy. The speakers included Dr. Dimitra Stathi – distinct Endocrinologist and PhD candidate at the National Kapodistrian University of Athens – and Prof. Maria Moschovi – Pediatrician Oncologist-Hematologist from the Hematological Unit of The University of Athens A’ Pediatric Clinic.

Moreover, prof. Vassileios Papadakis from the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology section of “Hagia Sofia” Paidon Hospital took us on a narrative journey to Lisbon where the 34th annual conference on Hystiocytosis was held and informed the Artemis Association on medical developments. Additionally, he presented our members with news from the 4th Hellenic Conference on Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, the 56th Hellenic Pediatric Conference and the two day event of the Hellenic Society of Haematology where the Artemis Association participated in 2018.

The penultimate moment of the event was the talk given by two patients afflicted with Histocytic Disorders. They spoke truthfully about their illness, about their feelings and their relationships with their loved ones who stood by their side and helped them surpass any obstacles.

We hope to welcome even more members on our next meeting!