In the framework of the first cycle of the "Points of Support" programme, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation supported the initiative of the organisation "Agigma Zois" (Touch of Life) to create an on-line platform, which gives oncology patients the opportunity to receive a second opinion regarding their disease and treatment from a network of cooperating doctors. The first cycle of the "Points of Support" programme was implemented by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, the TIMA Charitable Foundation and the Hellenic Hope charity organisation.

At the Healthcare Business Awards 2017, "Agigma Zois" received an award for this initiative entitled "Support of Remote Oncology Patients – Prevention & Information".

Please find below the relevant Press Release:

At the Healthcare Business Awards 2017, "Agigma Zois" (Touch of Life) received an award for the programme that it designed and it is implementing, entitled ‘Support of Remote Oncology Patients – Prevention & Information’.

The programme was designed to alleviate some of the problems faced by oncology patients in remote areas since 72% of patients, who live outside Attica, come to Athens for their treatment. This means that, unfortunately, patients incur additional costs and hardship since, depending on their treatment cycle, they need to travel in order to meet their doctor on an almost monthly basis.

Moreover, residents in remote areas have limited access to preventive-presymptomatic checkups, while at local level, residents are very poorly informed about the importance of prevention.

In order to meet these needs, our programme was created – which received an award as part of the ‘Points of Support’ Programme – and which was initially designed with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation.

To date, our social footprint through our ‘Support of Remote Oncology Patients’ programme is as follows:

• 59 patients have benefited from this action
• 38% reduction in unnecessary travel
• 27% reduction in expenses related to the disease
• 19 persons supported the action from AGIGMA ZOIS
• 480 persons were informed about cancer and the importance of prevention and timely diagnosis
• 34 free mammograms
• 196 free skin checkups
• 89 free Pap tests
• 18 new diagnoses after a checkup
• 5 shipments of free medicines (oncology and non-oncology drugs)
• 21 patients continue to receive support
• 8 psychological support sessions
• 182 hours of telephone support

Today, we are planning to visit Hariessa, Ikaria, Poros, Kiato, Kalambaka, Rhodes and Kythira, while other visits will follow.

“For oncology patients, it is a great relief to be able to ‘communicate’ with their treating doctor without needing to travel every time.

AGIGMA acts as an intermediary, communicating and carrying out processes on behalf of the patient, in order to provide the best possible solution to the health problem s/he is facing. Lastly, it is possible for the patient to receive psychological support via SKYPE, if s/he wishes so.

Our aim has always been, and still is, to prevent social exclusion and to maintain stability within the family; it is also to raise awareness of the fact that cancer is a chronic yet often treatable disease, to significantly contribute to its effective prevention and treatment and to help improve the quality of life of patients and their families. As we know, where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

Christina Nomikou, President – Founding Member

A few words about "Agigma Zois" (Touch of Life)

"Agigma Zois" (Touch of Life) was created after noting and experiencing, on a daily basis, the urgent need for action in response to the problems faced by oncology patients. It provides free Medical, Psychological and Social support to oncology patients and their close ones.

AGIGMA is a Civil Non-Profit Social Care Organisation, registered in the National Register of Private Non-Profit Organisations (Registration No. 09121AEE11056O14N-1484) and the Special Register of Voluntary Non-Governmental Organisations.