A Night of Fashion, Hope, and Discovery: Lyceum of Greek Women Raises $150K for Life-Saving DOvEEgene Test

On April 30, a remarkable evening of elegance and impact unfolded as the Lyceum of Greek Women hosted a stunning fashion show fundraiser in support of Dr. Lucy Gilbert’s groundbreaking DOvEEgene test. The event brought together cancer survivors, philanthropists, and fashion lovers for a night that blended runway glamour with an urgent mission: to detect ovarian and endometrial cancers before it’s too late.

Featuring exclusive creations by renowned Greek fashion designer, Vassilis Zoulias, whose work has appeared on the hit series Emily in Paris, the evening was more than a celebration of couture—it was a rallying call to save lives. The event also showcased the talent of well-known jewelry designer, Pericles Kondylatos, who made the Athens Tiara for Lady Gaga.

Aphrodite Salas, distinguished Professor of Journalism at Concordia University, hosted the event, while Sandra El-Helou, councillor from Laval was the honorary chair along with Maria Fotopoulos steering the event.

The most engaging part of the fashion show was the parade of the Five women, the fabulous five, ovarian and breast cancer survivors, who proudly walked the runway—Amalia Markakis, Yula Kiskiras, Joanne Photiades, Sheyda Senoglou and Eleni Karapanos; all wearing Zoulias dresses donated by the designer. The live auction brought in $3K.

The event raised an incredible $150K bringing the Lyceum’s total contribution to over $522K in support of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation and the DOvEEgene project.

The DOvEEgene test, led by world-renowned gynecologic oncologist Dr. Lucy Gilbert, is a transformative innovation in women’s health. It can detect ovarian and endometrial cancers at a stage when they are still curable—a monumental leap forward for early detection.

In her address to the crowd, Justine Frangouli, President of the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal and internationally respected journalist and author, emphasized the organization's commitment to advancing women’s health through meaningful partnerships.

“As women, mothers, daughters and leaders, we cannot stand idle while so many lives are lost to silent cancers, like my late sister, Konstantina,” said Frangouli. “The Lyceum of Greek Women is proud to stand with Dr. Gilbert and the MUHC Foundation to ensure that DOvEEgene reaches every woman who needs it. This is not just science—it is survival.”

The MUHC Foundation recognized the Lyceum as a cherished and vital partner in its mission to fund bold, life-changing research. Their ongoing support of DOvEEgene is accelerating a future where women no longer have to fear the deadly silence of undetected cancers.

“The Lyceum of Greek Women has once again shown what true leadership and community impact look like,” said Marie-Hélène Laramée, President and CEO of the MUHC Foundation. “Their support is helping transform women’s health not just in Quebec, but around the world. We are deeply grateful for their passion and generosity.”

“This was not just a fundraiser—it was a night of celebration and community,” added Dr. Lucy Gilbert. “To see survivors walk the runway alongside professional models, wearing designs by one of Greece’s top talents, was a symbol of strength and survival. I am deeply grateful to the Lyceum for standing with us in this fight.”

Incredibly, the Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation represented by Maitre Vincent Prager stepped in at the event with a $100K gift to support the DOvEE project. And Archon Nicholaos Tsatas, from the Palace Convention Centre (where the event was held), added another $15K.

The evening ended in a standing ovation, not just for the fashion, but for the fierce commitment of a community united by purpose. With every dollar raised and every voice uplifted, the Lyceum of Greek Women is helping rewrite the future of women’s health—one runway at a time.