A sister’s love
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The author with younger sister Isabella and brother Georgios.
On March 27, a fundraiser for The Nephcure Kidney International took place at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy (SFACA) in Astoria. It is the school I graduated Valedictorian from, and where my two siblings Georgios and Isabella still attend.
The fundraiser for the Nephrotic Syndrome Awareness Day is meant to shed light to those suffering from kidney diseases such as Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome, a condition that my brother, Georgios, endures.
Georgios was first diagnosed at the age of 3. He was to start Preschool at SFACA, but when he was diagnosed, my parents made the decision to keep him home. Thank God he was in remission and started attending Prekindergarten at age 4. Sadly, at age 6, he relapsed three times, consecutively. We were all devastated, but through our faith and prayers, he overcame and currently he’s almost four years in remission. Every day he’s tested. There are times we are worried he might relapse again because of escalating protein numbers, but thankfully Georgios has overcome. It’s not easy and the stress it brings our family does take a toll. He is now a thriving 4th grader who plays basketball, baseball, flag football, and soccer. He also just won the Middle School Math Bee and will be going to the Regionals.
‘My brave brother.’
I was 11 when my brother was diagnosed, and I always knew that I wanted to do something for him and all those who suffer from this rare disease. As I watched him take the heavy doses of steroids which changed him, I knew in my heart that I wanted to help in any way I could. It’s because of my parents, Maria and Theodore, who have guided me when I had the idea of wanting to raise funds and awareness of this terrible condition. They have taught me that I can accomplish anything I work hard for and the importance of young people to take action and help those in need.
Not only am I proud of my Filipino/Greek heritage, but I also want to bring Nephrotic Syndrome Awareness to light.
My brother is the main reason why I chose to study Pharmacy. I have received acceptances in 12 colleges throughout the country with many giving me Merit scholarships. After much discussion with my family, I will be attending The University of Buffalo, which is one of the best colleges for Pharmacy, in the Fall. With God’s grace, I will accomplish my goals of becoming a Pharmacist researching for a cure for Nephrotic Syndrome. This is all attributed to my brother and all those who suffer from this terrible condition. It is my goal to find a cure.
Thanks to the SFACA Principal, Ms. Anne Stefano, staff, and students, they raised $1,275.00! NephCure Kidney International is the only organization committed exclusively to support research seeking the cause of the potentially debilitating kidney disease Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and Nephrotic Syndrome, improve treatment and find a cure.
Natalia Kyriakopoulos is a senior at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School.
© The FilAm 2019
March 27 was Nephrotic Syndrome Awareness Day at SFACA. The school principal, staff, and students were able to raise $1,275 to benefit George’s Crusade for NephCure.
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