3rd Greek Fashion Show with Vassilis
Zoulias
And Pericles Kondylatos
Featuring
Opera soprano and cancer survivor Soula
Parassidis
The internationally renowned Greek designer, Vassilis Zoulias, has been
selected by the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal (LGWM) to present his summer
creations at their 3rd Annual Greek Fashion Show in Montreal, this April
16th, in support of the project for the very early diagnosis of ovarian
and endometrial cancer, the “DOvEEgene.”
"I am thrilled that, through my work, I can
contribute to such important medical research that has the potential to spare
millions of women from ovarian cancer, this insidious disease known as the
"silent killer.” I commend the LGWM for taking the lead in disseminating
the DOvEEgene research and supporting it financially while promoting Greek
fashion at the same time," said Vassilis Zoulias.
The fashion show will also showcase the talent of the well
known jewelry designer, Pericles
Kondylatos, who will present his latest collection inspired by his love of
nature.
The spectacle will be highlighted by the presence of
Zoulias’ muse, internationally acclaimed Canadian soprano, Soula Parassidis, who is a cancer
survivor herself and who will strut the catwalk in a special Zoulias’ gown
created expressly for the evening's live auction.
Ambassador Robert Peck and his wife, Maria Pantazi,
will be the honorary hosts of the event which will be co-ordinated by
philanthropist Maria Fotopoulos.
Mr. Peck, the former Canadian ambassador to Greece, noted
that "it is a pleasure to serve, alongside my spouse Maria, as honorary
co-chair, of this fashion show in support of the DOvEEGene project that has
shown great promise for the very early detection of ovarian and endometrial
cancer.”
“We admire both the mission and philanthropic endeavours of
the LGWM and would like to recognize the generous support of the Greek fashion
icon, Vasilios Zoulias. The participation of his friend and collaborator, Soula
Parassidis, will be memorable indeed."
Five women, THE FABULOUS FIVE, who have survived
ovarian and breast cancer will also walk the runway: They are Amalia Markakis,
Yula Kiskiras, Ioanna Photiadis, Sheyda Senoglou, Josée Barbe.
Justine
Fragouli-Argyris, president of the LGWM, stated that “we, the Greeks of
Canada, are grateful to the two renowned Greek designers, Vassilis Zoulias and
Pericles Kondylatos, for their participation in this event in support of the
DOvEEgene. a pioneering molecular detection test whose dissemination and
universal acceptance by the medical community will help save future generations
of women from ovarian and endometrial cancer.”
“At the same time, we will be showcasing acclaimed Greek
fashion and I am very proud that the LGWM is in the forefront of the promotion
of Greek creativity abroad.”
The Doveegene Project
Dr. Lucy
Gilbert is in the final stages of the clinical research for the new
molecular “Pap-type” test that will detect ovarian and endometrial cancer very
early. Many LGWM female members have already taken the test and two
were diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells in their abdomen and underwent
hysterectomy, saving them from the silent killer that is ovarian cancer.
While many
researchers are working on ovarian and endometrial cancers, Dr. Gilbert is the
only local researcher looking for an early detection test. She is uniquely
positioned to achieve this goal. While labs in the US may have more
funding, her expertise as a physician and her access to a diversity
of women within our public healthcare system are key to enabling her to finish
the clinical study needed to confirm her discovery. This is historical
and it is happening right here, in Montreal!
About the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal (LGWM)
The
Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal is a foundation registered with CRA, a
non profit organization that promotes cultural and feminist issues among its
other activities.
The 15 women from various professions and backgrounds who comprise the board of directors of the LGWM are Canadian ladies of Hellenic origin with passion and dedication to various causes. From its creation in 2016, the LGWM has promoted unique aspects of Greek culture beginning with their first major undertaking, the “STATUE OF THE GREEK IMMIGRANT,” a work by the esteemed international sculptor, Giorgos Houliaras, that was donated to the City of Montreal on the occasion of its 375th anniversary and has become one of the city’s major landmarks.
With numerous successful events to its credit, the LGWM has been a major force behind the research of the DOvEEgene Project being carried out by Dr. Lucy Gilbert's team at McGill University and which will soon become the (new) tool for the prevention of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Although its roots derive from traditional Hellenic culture, the LGWM has influenced and continues to influence Montreal’s macro-culture, leaving its mark on the modern cultural landscape of the city.
A letter from Dr. Lucy Gilbert
Dear Friends and Well-Wishers,
On behalf of my clinical and research team and
all the women whose lives you have positively impacted, I would like to thank
the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal and the Greek community at large for your
wholehearted and generous support of the DOvEEgene project to Detect Ovarian
and Endometrial cancers Early using a genomic pap test.
This genomic pap test is the only one of its kind in the world to be undergoing Phase 3 clinical trial testing in healthy women. We began the clinical trial in May 2021, and, to date, we have tested 2736 of the 3600 women we intend to test. So far, we have identified 27 cancers. The test also identifies women who are carrying a hereditary mutation that substantially increases their risk of ovarian and breast cancer. As such, the DOvEEgene test identifies current cancer as well as future risk. No other test does this. The results have far exceeded our expectations. Buoyed by your generous support and the fact that even small improvements have profound consequences, we continue to make refinements to the test.
The very first screening test for women’s cancers--the pap test invented by a Greek Physician, Dr George Papanicolaou--has saved millions of lives. It has driven cervical cancer from the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among Canadian women to 14th place.
Ovarian and endometrial cancer is currently the third most common cause of cancer deaths in Canadian women. Your help has been crucial in allowing us to get the DOvEEgene trial off the ground and your continued support will help us make this test part of routine preventive health care for women.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Lucy Gilbert, MD, Chair, Gerald Bronfman Department of
Oncology (GBDO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), McGill
University
MD MSc FRCOG
Director, MUHC Gynecologic Oncology Division
McGill University Health Care
