- What does it mean to live with Cystic Fibrosis – before and after a lung transplant?
- Why is organ donation really a second chance at life?
- Can an innovative treatment change the lives of patients and the course of a disease?
- Is Cystic Fibrosis contagious? Or is it not?
- How can a patient association transform patients’ lives through volunteering?
So many important questions – and even more powerful answers – came to light through the awareness webinar on Cystic Fibrosis and lung transplantation at AB Vassilopoulos, entitled “Unlimited Breath – Life with an invisible disease”.
The informative webinar was held on Tuesday 17 June 2025, hybrid at AB Vassilopoulos’ headquarters in Gerakas, with the participation of employees in person and via web connection from all over Greece.
Information & awareness raising
The President of the Panhellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association Anna Spinou and Vice President Konstantina Giannaki presented critical issues related to the disease, as well as the work of the Association for 42 years that has changed the lives of patients in Greece:
– What is Cystic Fibrosis, how it affects life from birth and how one can know if one is a carrier of the disease
– Lung transplantation as a last resort for survival and the need to raise awareness for organ donation
– The revolutionary treatment that “freezes” the disease and gives back the breath to patients
– The actions of the Association, which for 42 years has changed the face of the disease in our country, through the efforts of patient and caregiver volunteers in collaboration with the scientific community and the State
Personal stories
The personal stories of patients and caregivers were the most powerful moment of the webinar. They filled the audience with emotion and inspiration and conveyed the message of Breathless Breath.
Panos Samaras, a 19-year-old student-patient with CF, described his life with Cystic Fibrosis and Cystic Fibrosis Diabetes. He spoke openly about how disability, social stigma and prejudice affect the lives of young patients, stressing the importance of visibility and equality.
Dimitra Dilios, a 30-year-old transplant patient with C.I., shared her journey from frequent hospitalizations and waiting on the transplant list, to the thrilling moment of new life and deep gratitude to her unknown donor.
Anna Spinou, a 44-year-old Cystic Fibrosis patient, shared how she won her life back thanks to a new treatment that “freezes” the disease – from end-stage respiratory failure to living again with dignity, strength and hope.
Konstantina Giannaki, mother of 9-year-old Argyris with CF, gave voice to the silent fighters of Cystic Fibrosis – the caregivers. She spoke about the power behind her child’s every breath and her family’s daily struggle to keep him safe, strong and happy.
Above all, we talked about the importance of giving a voice to people who are fighting every day for Breathless Breath.
Breathless Breath is not just a message.
It is the lives that have already been changed.
It is the result of 42 years of collective action by the Panhellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association. A recognized patients’ association with a rich work, based on voluntary patients, parents and friends from all over Greece, with the support of society, the scientific community and the State.
Society can change
With initiatives such as this one, we prove that society can change – when we make inclusion a reality.
When we give space, equal opportunities and visibility to people living with visible and invisible difficulties – such as illnesses, disabilities or social barriers – to be heard and participate equally in society.
Through this webinar, AB Vassilopoulos did just that: gave a voice to people who struggle every day for Unlimited Breath.
We would like to thank the YABers and Sustainability team of AB Vassilopoulos, Mr. Andreas Panagiotopoulos, Ms. Angelina Sapounaki, Ms. Elena Kolliou, for the excellent cooperation and the opportunity to highlight the voices of patients with respect and meaningful interest. Thank you very much for giving space to what is of real value: people and the impact of their stories.
Be part of the change!
Learn, support and spread the message of Breathless Breath: www.cysticfibrosis.gr
Support the work of our Association and change the lives of patients; every donation counts: www.cysticfibrosis.gr/donation
