The story of Alexandros: The young man who beat cancer and made it back home!

It all started in November of 2019, when Alexandros Efraimidis — who was then 21 years old — was diagnosed with a malignant jaw tumor (cystic carcinoma). According to the attending doctors, his cancer was aggressive and inoperable; therefore they recommended that he were immediately subjected to chemotherapy treatments. Always with the love and support of his family, the young man started his first round of chemo, which was completed in 2020. However, the uphill struggle had just begun. Given the metastatic nature of his tumor, the doctors recommended that he were submitted to photon radiation. Alexandros’ mother contacted us in order to find the best possible treatment for her son. We immediately conducted a research regarding this specific type of cancer. Finally, we stumbled upon a specialized treatment, known as proton treatment, which wasn’t available in Greece; however it was conducted in the Essen University Hospital of Germany. After a throughout review of his medical records, the University department came to the conclusion that proton therapy was much more efficient compared to conventional radiation treatment, because it was based on charged particles; therefore the distribution of the dosage would be more selective without compromising the healthy tissue. The total cost of the course of treatments amounted to approximately 39,000 euros, without including other expenses, such as lodging and transportation for him and his mother, who had to accompany him to Germany during his hospitalization. The National Organization for the Provision of Health Services denied their request for covering a percentage of the costs, claiming that this type of cancer could be in fact treated by any other radiation treatment that was available in Greece. Alexandros’ family, who had never left his side throughout his ordeal, taking care of him and supporting him with all their powers, could not afford the cost of his treatments. However, the clock was ticking and due to the aggressive nature of his cancer, the young man had to be immediately subjected to the proton treatment, so that his cancer wouldn’t metastasize. All of us, who stood by his side from the very beginning, wished that he would receive the best possible treatment that would not jeopardize his health. We immediately launched a fundraising campaign and within just one week, we have managed to raise the amount required for this 21-year-old fighter’s hospitalization. Without wasting any time, we took care of all the paperwork procedures, we came in contact with the Essen University Hospital, we booked the hotel and the plane tickets for Alexandros and his mother, while we encouraged the family so that they could focus only on one thing: Alexandros’ recovery! The fundraising campaign begun in February 4th of 2021 and by the 24th of that same month, Alexandros was already in Germany for his first scheduled appointment at the Essen University Hospital. The treatments lasted for 2.5 months and were completed on May of 2021. During that time, we were in touch with his family and with the medical stuff of the Essen University Hospital, while providing psychological and moral support to the family. During his hospitalization, there were some additional expenses, as there was a need for anesthesia-related interventions, that weren’t included in the original cost. Always considering the best possible treatment for our friend, we immediately settled these additional expenses. The Organization disbursed a total amount of 55.000 euros for Alexandros’ treatment program (hospitalization, transportation, lodging, additional medical expenses). Alexandros completed his treatment program and on May 15th of 2021, he returned home as a winner! With tears of joy, members of the Organization, family and friends, gathered at the airport of Thessaloniki, in order to welcome him. We were extremely moved and also thankful for all of your support. This brave young man fought against all odds and beat his cancer! However, the attending doctors suggested that he should be regularly submitted to tests, as there is a chance that he requires further treatments down the road. We will keep on supporting this family for as long as needed, offering moral and psychological support and covering all the medical expenses that may arise during his recovery. We wish all the best for him and his family and we will be by their side in any way that we possibly can!