Why TELETHON is a story of courage, generosity and shared humanity

Each year, TELETHON transforms Cyprus into a beacon of compassion. More than a fundraising initiative, it is a celebration of empathy, generosity and community spirit. Under the banner “Let our hearts speak,” thousands of volunteers come together to support individuals and families living with serious health conditions, weaving a nationwide network of hope.

TELETHON is a global charitable initiative with a distinguished heritage, originally established in the United States and later embraced across Europe. In Cyprus, what began as a long televised fundraising event (the word “telethon” blends “television” and “marathon”) in 1994 has evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable and respected charitable organisations, helmed by the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING) in collaboration with the Cyprus Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA Cyprus). Over the past 31 years, TELETHON has earned the support and participation of thousands of individuals, institutions and companies, proving that collective goodwill can generate meaningful change.

TELETHON Cyprus pursues three core objectives: (1) It offers direct financial support to the Cyprus Muscular Dystrophy Association, thereby enhancing care and quality of life for patients and their families; (2) It funds pioneering research at the CING, aiming to discover effective treatments for neuromuscular, genetic and other rare diseases. Finally, it works to raise awareness regarding CING’s contribution to science and healthcare in our country, in addition to the range of neuromuscular disorders of its patients.

Throughout the year, TELETHON hosts a series of engaging public events, ranging from charity concerts and sports fundraisers to community campaigns and high-profile auctions. These events do more than raise money – they foster engagement, awareness and a sense of collective purpose. Thanks to the unwavering generosity of the Cypriot public and its corporate partners, TELETHON continues to achieve new milestones every year.

TELETHON is more than an event – it is a story of courage, generosity and shared humanity. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a part in supporting a patient, advancing a scientific breakthrough or offering hope to a family in need. At the heart of TELETHON lies a simple yet powerful truth: when a community unites, extraordinary things can happen. Whether through donations, volunteering or simply by raising awareness, each of us holds the power to make a meaningful impact.

Now, more than ever, residents of Cyprus are called to stand together to support the patients, families, scientists and volunteers who work tirelessly in pursuit of a brighter, healthier future. To learn more about how you can help, get involved or make a donation, please visit: https://www.cing.ac.cy/telethon. Together, let us turn compassion into action, let our hearts speak – because hope is the greatest gift we can give.

Marianna Tsappi Leptos

“As a member of the Board of Directors of the CING and Chair of the TELETHON Committee, I was given the opportunity to contribute something meaningful to this charitable cause. TELETHON in Cyprus has been organised by the CING and MDA Cyprus since 1994. My initial observation was that raising funds for a charitable cause in today’s world is quite a challenge.

For this reason, my efforts have focused on raising public awareness about muscular disorders and TELETHON’s purpose. TELETHON gives us the opportunity to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from muscular disorders, while also funding scientific research aimed at discovering effective treatments for neurological and genetic disorders.

One such initiative was the establishment of a group of “Volunteer Ambassadors” – a woman in each major city, each of whom would organise, in her own way, an event or activity in support of TELETHON, helping to spread awareness of our work across the island by word of mouth. Our collaboration with the three Ambassadors has been excellent, and their contribution has been truly commendable, exceeding all expectations. I firmly believe that even the smallest contribution can change the course of an entire society and offer hope and a better future to those in need.”

TELETHON Ambassadors of Hope

Poly Hadjigeorghiou, Ambassador of Nicosia

“I joined TELETHON out of a deep desire to give back. By volunteering and participating in awareness activities, I have come to appreciate the true power of collective action. This journey has been profoundly personal, opening my eyes to the reality that so many of the things we take for granted – such as health and mobility – are not guaranteed for everyone. Every smile that I witness through TELETHON is a reminder that hope is real. And together, we have the power to keep that hope alive.”

Georgia Lefkariti, Ambassador of Larnaca

“It has been a great honour to be part of TELETHON. Through my voluntary work, I have had the privilege of contributing to the mission of the CING. By giving my time and efforts to raise awareness and support, I have received something far greater in return: a profound and humbling insight into human resilience, compassion and the quiet strength of solidarity. This journey has taught me that true strength often lies in the simplest acts of kindness. It has also made me realise how much we take for granted and how deeply others may be in need of what we so often overlook.”

Izabella Ellinas, Ambassador of Limassol

“What began as a volunteer initiative soon became an integral part of who I am. I support TELETHON by organising fundraising events and helping to raise awareness of its mission. This experience has changed me. It has deepened my appreciation of life and reminded me just how precious the everyday truly is. We often forget that tomorrow is never guaranteed. My message is simple: each of us has the power to be the spark that ignites hope for someone in need.”

(Main photo, left to right: Izabella Ellinas, Marianna Tsappi Leptos, Poly Hadjigeorghiou and Georgia Lefkariti)

This article first appeared in the 2025 edition of The Cyprus Journal of Wealth Management. Click here to view it. To view the full edition, click here