Deputy Minister of National Defence Giannis Kefalogiannis Attends Awareness Raising Event About Marrow Donation at Hellenic Naval Academy.

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Deputy Minister of National Defence Giannis Kefalogiannis Attends Awareness Raising Event About Marrow Donation at Hellenic Naval Academy.

October 8, 2024

On Tuesday, 8 October 2024, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Giannis Kefalogiannis attended a raising awareness event about marrow donation, held at the Hellenic Naval Academy in Piraeus.

Mr. Kefalogiannis stressed that the Ministry of National Defence has started a systematic effort since April to contribute to such life-saving actions, proving in deed the sensitivity and selflessness of Armed Forces personnel. At the same time, being a bone marrow donor himself, he appealed to the new cadets to contribute to one of the most important social actions, giving hope to our suffering fellow people.

The event was attended by the Chief HNDGS, General Dimitrios Choupis, representatives of the Chiefs of General Staff, the Coast Guard, and the Metropolis of Piraeus.

An address was delivered by the Scientific Director of the "VISION OF HOPE ASSOCIATION" Professor Stylianos Grafakos, the Director of the National Transplant Organisation Mr. Stavros Kepentzis, the Director of the Bone Marrow Donor Information and Registration Centre of the University of Patras, Professor Alexandros Spyridonidis, and Bone Marrow Donor Ms. Soultana Taramigou. The address of the President of the "VISION OF HOPE ASSOCIATION" Ms. Christiana V. Vardinogianni was delivered by Mr. Stylianos Grafakos.

In his address, the Deputy Minister of National Defence stated among other things:

"It is a great pleasure and honour to be here once more, in one of the most distinguished schools of our Country, the Hellenic Naval Academy. But this time, our meeting serves an extremely noble cause: to inform and raise awareness about bone marrow donation - an act of selfless contribution to fellow people. Voluntary contribution is a way of life and a concept connected to naval tradition.

Already since antiquity, every seaman instinctively felt the need to help anyone whose life was at risk at sea. Besides, if fate decided, he could be in his shoes. So, slowly, naval traditions were created, which finally became a part of International Law.

So, from the stand of the Hellenic Naval Academy, the reference point of our Nation's naval tradition, I appeal to all of you to bring these naval traditions to land. Just as assistance can save the life of someone at sea, so bone marrow donation can save the life of our suffering fellow people.

Deputy Chief of Navy General Staff

Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard,

Being myself a bone marrow donor, I ask of you to support today's action and encourage the young male and female cadets, as well as the personnel you command, to offer this gift of life. Every participation is important, every participation counts, every participation makes a difference in the life of our fellow people who need it.

Commandant,

You lead the best of the best of Greek seamanship, continuing the tradition of the Academy making Officers who will become rulers of the seas, as the motto stating "Nationwide we educate commanders of the high seas"; those Officers who make us proud, raising the Greek flag, not only in the mast of their Ships, but deep inside their heart. So today you are given the opportunity to prove that the naval traditions that require the provision of assistance can save a human life on land.

Dear officers,

Dear cadets,

You are those who keep up our glorious naval tradition! My urge to you is not something impossible or risky, but something simple, easy and deeply altruistic. Speaking from my own experience, I urge you to contribute to one of the most important social actions and give hope to our suffering fellow people. Just think: your contribution can save a human life.

The life of someone may depend on you; so, the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intentions. Let's put into action the things that science and our consciousness suggest. I have faith in your restless, productive, and youthful spirit, your dreams and expectations for the future, your continuous inner need for contribution, the human values and principles deeply rooted inside you.

I believe that you can make a difference; that is why I invite you, with the help of the qualified volunteers of the competent agencies, to contribute, showing your heartfelt intention to help your fellow people. The sea gives man hope. You, the men of the sea, can give hope to our suffering fellow people.

Mr. President of the National Transplant Organisation,

Director of the Vision of Hope Association,

Director of the Bone Marrow Donor Information and Registration Centre of the University of Patras "Give Life",

Since the start of the actions "2024 - Armed Forces Solidarity Year" in April, the chain of life that the Ministry of National Defence has initiated is expanding. Furthermore, with the successful efforts of the associations "VISION OF HOPE" and "CENTRE OF BONE MARROW DONORS 'GIVE LIFE'", with their valid and scientifically documented information, awareness is raised and new volunteers are registered, reaching approximately 500 registrations and continuously proving with actions the sensitivity and selflessness of Armed Forces personnel.

The excellent work of the associations, with the support of the Ministry of National Defence, has brought good results and through the actions that are to be implemented soon, we have set as our primary goal the constant growth of the bone marrow donor tank, in our effort to contribute in every way possible to the great struggle of our fellow people. Let us all participate in this awareness raising and contribution action".