Community Member-Led Event
When you're surrounded by love, encouragement, and support, your life becomes boundless. My father has been that unwavering source of love and strength in my life—always encouraging, always supporting, and always believing in me. From attending every Tae Kwon Do competition, soccer match, and basketball game, to celebrating graduations and sharing countless late-night ice cream runs to Baskin Robbins, my father has been my number one fan through every stage of my life. He has loved me even when I struggled to love myself, and supported me when I lacked the strength to carry on. The gratitude, love, and respect I have for him are immeasurable.
My father’s journey began as a young boy in Greece, dreaming of building a life and a family in the United States. He arrived here with nothing but ambition and determination—and he achieved everything he set out to do, and more. From an early age, he taught me the importance of love, hard work, and the value of relationships. Thanks to his guidance, I always knew I could turn to him for help, which allowed me to dream bigger than I ever thought possible.
Today, as an adult and pediatric psychologist, I have the honor of providing care to children and adolescents facing chronic and acute illnesses. I support young patients and their families during some of the most emotionally and physically challenging times of their lives. But when my father was recently diagnosed with a glioblastoma, my personal and professional worlds collided in a way I could never have anticipated. I suddenly found myself experiencing the heartbreak, pain, and emotional turmoil that I so often witness in the hospital. I now understand firsthand the profound importance of hope—hope is one of the greatest gifts we can offer families facing life-altering illness.
On February 2, 2025, I will be running the Miami Marathon to raise awareness and funds for glioblastoma research and treatment through the Glioblastoma Research Organization. Everyone deserves more hope, time, and love.
Thank you for any support to help us find a cure.
🤍, Natasha Poulopoulos
