TAMPA, FL – The problem arose about five years ago. The careless smile left her lips and pain plagued her family.

“I want to get well and be a teacher,” she says every now and then to her parents, who know how much she loves young children.

Then-little Paraskevi, who lives in Greece, was diagnosed with a difficult condition. Doctors could not help effectively. The years passed with visits to specialists, medicines, and many expenses that the suffering parents found difficult to afford, until hope came from a clinic in New York. Doctors specializing in such diseases guaranteed the treatment of 20-year-old Paraskevi.

Her father, Dimitris Alexandris, recently contacted the charity Hope for Life, based in Astoria, New York and personally with the president, Irene Drakopoulos. In his letter, he refers to the need for support from our fellow human beings, especially during the holidays, such as Thanksgiving, as well as Christmas, and he asks for help.

A major problem was finding a place to stay, where Paraskevi, her parents and her sister would live, for the first and crucial period of treatment.

The young girl’s father, who is a teacher of the Greek language, History, Culture and Religions, wants to find a job to cover the expenses.

Ms. Drakopoulos approached various persons, seeking help. On the eve of Thanksgiving, a member of the Greek community in Brooklyn, Kostas Tsichlis, who has been a staunch supporter of the organization for many years, offered with his son, Elias Tsichlis, to rent one of the apartments they have in the area.

“I thank from the bottom of my heart both of them for their charity,” Drakopoulos told The National Herald. “Mr. Kostas Tsichlis has moved us with his philanthropic feelings all these years. Now, his worthy son continues his work with the same enthusiasm.”

Drakopoulos thanked all those who are also supporters of the work of the organization, offering relief to our fellow human beings in need.

Drakopoulos appeals to those who can donate for the basic furniture of the apartment in which the family will live. “We are asking them to donate what furniture they can and not money,” she said.

Those who wish to help can contact Drakopoulos by phone: 718-956-7559.

“I appeal to everyone who can to help this girl who has been facing a serious medical problem for years, as her father wrote to us,” said Hope for Life President Drakopoulos. “Thanks to the philanthropic feelings of the Tsichlis family, the accommodation for her and her family was secured and now we have to help her to furnish it with the necessary items.”

The organization will also try to secure donations to supplement the amount needed for Paraskevi’s healthcare.

Meanwhile, Mr. Alexandris is available to work to support his family. “I wish a private or community school could be found to give him a job,” said Drakopoulos, adding that she believes that the support of the Greek community is what gives strength and courage to continue the great goal set by the organization. The participation of the Greek Diaspora is the force that pushes her. “Without the love of this community, we could not go anywhere,” she said. “Every donation, whether it is a large or a small amount, makes a difference. With this help of the Greek Diaspora we have been able to help many of our fellow human beings. A big thank you to everyone.”

In conclusion, the president of Hope for Life noted that in Paraskevi’s case it is urgent to donate some basic furniture for the apartment the family will live in during the treatment she will receive.

“Please those who can help this girl, contact me,” she said.