Women helping women: Recognizing the generosity of the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal

On October 17^th, over 100 guests gathered in the Elspeth McConnell Atrium at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) to celebrate the generosity of the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal. Donors to the MUHC Foundation since 2019, the community group are strong supporters of women’s health, championing the work of gynecologic oncologist Dr. Lucy Gilbert, whose first-of-its-kind DOvEEgene test can detect ovarian and endometrial cancers early.

The touching event, hosted by the MUHC Foundation, honoured the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal by unveiling a plaque to name a room in the MUHC’s surgical oncology unit. To recognize the strength of Greek women in their community and around the world, the Lyceum chose to adorn the plaque with the words “Melina’s Room.” This tribute recognizes two strong Greek women. Melina Mercouri (1920–1994) was the Minister of Culture and Sport of Greece and widely-revered actress who lost her life to lung cancer. Closer to home, Melina Tsagaropoulos, a member of the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal, is a young mother who is fighting ovarian cancer and receiving treatment at the MUHC. This gesture is a testament to the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal’s passion for supporting women.

The event was attended by Lyceum members, Greek dignitaries including the Honorable Annie Koutrakis, MP and Parliamentary Secretary, the Honorable Emmanuella Lambropoulos, MP and Katerina Varvarigou, Consul General of Greece to Montreal, MUHC and MUHC Foundation staff and the DOvEE team. Speeches were given by Ms. Varvarigou, MUHC Foundation President and CEO Marie-Hélène Laramée, Justine Frangouli-Argyris and Dr. Gilbert, who further inspired attendees with the promise of the DOvEEgene test.