LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Thalassemia Champion,
Greek Film,
Clergy-Laity Congress
Dear Readers:
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Southern California Notes columnist Mavis Manus reports each month on the various events and profiles of the area taking place. This month, however, she devotes her entire column to the amazing work of Dr. Vasili Berdoukas.
The Los Angeles community, particularly Childrens Hospital, benefited from Dr. Berdoukas’ expertise when he joined his wife Consul General Elizabeth Fotiadou as she took up her recent position there.
“Berdoukas is a man with a mission,” writes Manus. “And that is to reduce to nil the number of babies born with the dreaded disease of thalassemia major.” To learn more about Dr. Berdoukas as well as his message to the Greek community, please turn to p. 4.
In keeping with Los Angeles, once again the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival was another success. There was plenty of red carpet action too. Founder Ersi Danou and Angeliki Giannakopoulos have much to celebrate. In addition to such notables as Jim Gianopulos, Gena Rowlands, Demetri Martin and Alexander Payne, Giannakopoulos appreciated the support of Consul General Fotiadou. “She and her husband cooked for 200 people on closing night!” she shared. “Amazing!” For complete coverage of the celebrated films and celebrities, please turn to p. 8.
The Biennial 40th Clergy-Laity Congress took place last month in Atlanta, Georgia to the theme Gather My People to My Home – Come and See. Archbishop Demetrios of America urged the delegates “to convey in detail and in essence” all that transpired in this Clergy-Laity Congress back to their parishes and their fellow brothers and sisters.” Several resolutions were also presented and approved. For a detailed report, please turn to page 7.
Finally, it is that time of year again when we invite you to join the HJ family and have your name included on the cover of the October issue. Your support is appreciated and helps the HJ continue to grow.
Last year we launched our online and Facebook presence. With your support, we continue to be the voice of our Hellenic community at large. You can return the coupon on page 5 via mail, email or fax.
Efharisto!
Frosene Phillips
THIS MONTH’S FEATURE
AUG 2010
By Mavis Manus
When Consul General Elizabeth Fotiadou recently took the reins of the Greek consulate in Los Angeles she not only brought ideas and projects but the capability, energy and imagination to carry them out. Los Angeles has also benefited from the knowledge and expertise of her husband, Dr. Vasili Berdoukas, who is now consulting at Childrens Hospital.
Berdoukas is a man with a mission. And that is to reduce to nil the number of babies born with the dreaded disease of thalassemia major.
“Those at risk of having a child with thalassemia,” he explains, “are couples who originate from the belt of the world stretching from Spain to New Guinea, and Greece comes smack in the middle of that.” While even today there is no cure, enormous strides have been made to control and treat the disease. From a life expectancy of less than 10 years, now a normal life span is possible. Before, treatment required blood transfusions approximately each month as well as 5-7 infusions though needles each week; today treatment may soon be reduced to one or two pills a day. Berdoukas is a world specialist in the disease and in the forefront of its treatment.
Born in Sydney in 1946, his youthful looks belie his 63 years. His grandparents, who came from Plomari in Mytilini (“best ouzo in Greece”), emigrated to Australia in the early 1920’s. To please his family, Berdoukas entered law school but after two years he withdrew and began the study of what had always been his passion – medicine. (Download July paper issue for full article)
DR. VASILI BERDOUKAS’ DEVOTION TO THALESSEMIA
