It is with sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved teacher and fellow cystic fibrosis patient, Petros Halikias, who passed away at the age of 62, having lived for 18 years with a lung transplant.

Petros was a beloved member of the community and an active member of the Panhellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association. He was a patient whose approach to life served as a unique example of strength, dignity, determination, and love of life for our entire community.

Born in the 1960s, at a time when cystic fibrosis was an unknown disease in Greece and the life expectancy of children with cystic fibrosis was extremely limited, Petros has lived a life that uniquely encapsulates the evolution of the disease itself over the decades.

At the age of 44, he underwent a lung transplant. The transplant gave him precious years of life, and Petros filled them with the things that truly mattered to him. He started his own family, remained active, and continued to face life with strength and optimism.

A teacher, husband, father, and active member of our community, he always spoke openly about his own journey with cystic fibrosis and his lung transplant. Through his approach to life, he instilled in younger patients the importance of discipline, taking care of one’s body, and loving oneself.

In 2022, while speaking at the Panhellenic Cystic Fibrosis Conference, he publicly shared his own journey and concluded his testimony with a message to his fellow patients. A message that ultimately transcends the boundaries of cystic fibrosis and carries even greater weight today.

“There’s always hope, no matter how many difficulties there are. You just have to believe it… Love yourself and take care of yourself. Do whatever it takes to stay strong and resilient, and go as far as you can.” »

Today, we choose to bid him farewell through his own words. 

Petros was a symbol of hope and optimism for our community. We will remember him for his strength and determination, and for the example he set throughout his life.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, his son, and his loved ones.

RIP Petros.
Your memory will live on with us and continue to inspire us.