The “Doveegene” Genomic Pap Test:
Not a Cause but, Rather, a Destination!
On May 12th, with the participation of more than 200 registrants,
the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal (LGWM), in co-operation with the MUHC
Foundation, organized the “Joanne and Melina Virtual Event” that focused on the
clinical trials of the “Doveegene” genomic pap test under renowned
oncologist/gynecologist of MUHC/McGill, Dr. Lucy Gilbert.
Aphrodite Salas, professor of Journalism at Concordia University,
graciously hosted the event which was enriched by the presence of Dr. Pierre
Gfeller, President and CEO of the MUHC. Dr. Gfeller began by introducing the
Canadian Minister of Health, the Honorable Patty Hajdu, who noted the
government’s efforts to fund medical research projects, some of which focus on
gender equality. Patty Hajdu emphasized the importance of the “Doveegene”
clinical trials and an end result that will save millions of women’s lives in
the future.
This was the third year that the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal organized
an event dedicated to fundraising for the "DOvEEgene
Project" which focuses on the early detection of ovarian and endometrial
cancers.
The LGWM has already contributed $100,000.00 to the project to
date. With this fundraising event, the goal is to collect an
additional $50.000.00.
The audience was captivated by the narratives of the event’s main
figures, Melina Tsagaropoulos, a 31-year old mother, and Joanne Photiades,
vice-president of the “Doveegene” Genomic Pap Test fundraising campaign, who
related their experiences with ovarian cancer, bringing tears to people’s eyes.
Justine Frangouli-Argyris, President of the LGWM, said that as a
journalist and woman who lost her younger sister to ovarian cancer, she feels
the need to help in the prevention of this silent killer. She said that
“Doveegene” is not a cause but, rather, a destination.
Dr. Lucy Gilbert, named one of Canada's "Top 25 Women of
Influence for 2021" and a global expert in gynecology/oncology and
genomics at the MUHC, presented the “DOvEEgene” test which aims to make a
significant scientific breakthrough for the early diagnosis of ovarian and
endometrial cancers. She invited all women aged 45 to 70 years to participate
in the “Doveegene” clinical trials by registering with her team.
To get this project from the research laboratory to a
clinical-grade test, the MUHC Foundation is raising $2M with its “Stop the
Silent Killer” campaign. The plan is to leverage public funding to triple this
amount.
While many researchers are working on ovarian and endometrial
cancers, Dr. Gilbert is the sole researcher developing an early detection test
and she is uniquely positioned to achieve this goal.
Even though laboratories in the U.S. may have superior funding,
Dr. Gilbert’s expertise as a physician and her access to a diverse group of
women given our public healthcare system will enable her to finish the clinical
study required to confirm her discovery.
In her closing remarks, Julie Quenneville, CEO of the MUHC
Foundation, reiterated how important it is to have the “Doveegene” Genomic pap
test become a tool for every woman in order to prevent endometrial and ovarian
cancers.
Messages of praise and good wishes were delivered to Dr. Gilbert
and the LGWM from the following local female politicians:
Emmanuella Lambropoulos, M.P. for Saint
Laurent;
Annie Koutrakis, M.P.for Vimy;
Sandra El-Helou, City Councillor for Souvenir-Labelle;
Mary Deros, City Councillor for Villeray, St-Michel-Park
Extension;
Aglaia Revelakis, City Councillor for Chomedey
A song by well known Greek-Canadian singer, Maro Lytras, was
aired, soothing the audience.
The LGWM would like to thank its major sponsors:
1) the City of Laval and Municipal Councillor for
Souvenir-Labelle, Sandra El-Helou;
2) Ernst and Young;
3) real estate agents Vicky Georgiadou and Nancy Zentefis of Les
Immeubles Charisma;
4) Gestion Immobiliere Provision;
5) Thalia Greek wines;
6) Global Imperial;
7) radio station CFMB;
Many thanks to all our donors and especially to Dr. Athena
Diamandis and Dr. Andre Shenouda for their very generous contribution.
Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Mary Arvanitis and Lisa
Mastroianni for co-ordinating the virtual event on behalf of the MUHC
Foundation!
Click
here to donate now Lyceum of
Greek Women of Montreal (akaraisin.com)
·
If
you want to participate in the clinical trials register here:
·
doveegene@mcgill.ca/contact
·
Or call at 1 866 716 3267
