By Katerina Georgiou

Suddenly life presented them with a choice: to let their hearts become hardened by grief or to keep them open by cultivating compassion. At the time they were a young couple struggling to get by and care for their growing family. Cynthia’s life held a deeper meaning and they prayed that someday they might make sense of what happened.

Inspiration came to them one afternoon in 2003 while watching a telethon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital hosted by Marlo Thomas on television. The visionary pediatric cancer institution founded by her father, legendary performer, Danny Thomas, provides free medical care for all of its patients. Listening to stories about children surviving the disease that claimed their daughter’s life filled them with a sense of purpose.

“We thought it was a great opportunity for us to do something to help,” said Costas. Around the same time, a child in their parish—St. Mark’s Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton— was diagnosed with leukemia. “And then we thought: our community needs help too,” added Thelma.

So they approached their clergy and proposed a walk-a-thon to benefit St. Jude’s. To their delight, the idea was embraced and the church agreed to come aboard as sponsor. This year’s walk-a-thon took place on January 16. Now in its seventh year, the event has raised a total of over $130,000 in donations—all of which goes to St. Jude’s.

Since its inception, Costas has organized the walk-a-thon “from top to bottom.” Working closely with Reverend Robert J. Archon and Co-Chair Chuck Diamantis, he begins preparations in the fall of each year, collecting the necessary permits, distributing pledge sheets and mobilizing volunteers. It’s clear that the Constantinou household is the central base of operations—inscribed plaques, letters of support and T-shirts are all within reach.

Sitting in their living room the night before the event, the conversation is dominated by the weather. Even for January, it’s unseasonably chilly in Florida and rain is in the forecast for the morning. But Costas appears unconcerned. He has already prayed for a sunny day and has no doubt that Mother Nature will deliver. She hasn’t let him down yet. When asked how the event has strengthened their faith, Costas disappears into the bedroom and returns holding the icon of Jesus blessing the children. The depiction of Christ sitting with a child on his lap has personal significance for the couple. “We hope to all be innocent like children,” Thelma said, referring to the icon’s message to keep a pure heart despite the heavy burdens of life. For those on a spiritual path, there’s no greater guidance: children don’t judge or criticize, and they forgive easily. Surely their sanctification was understood by Danny Thomas who famously proclaimed: “No child should die in the dawn of life.”

As the story goes, in despair Mr. Thomas prayed to St. Jude’s, the patron saint of hopeless causes, asking: “Show me my way in life and I will build you a shrine.” The answer was given and his purpose fulfilled with the founding of St Jude’s Hospital in 1962.

Back then the survival rate for children, like Cynthia Constantinou, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia—the most common form of childhood cancer—was only around 4%. Today it has risen to a remarkable 94%. “There are miracles being performed at St. Jude’s,” said Costas. “As a community of believers at St. Mark’s we feel very excited that we’re participating in saving somebody else’s children. It doesn’t matter whether you’re Orthodox, Catholic or any other denomination.”

The morning of the walk-a-thon began with an overcast sky but by the time the participants had assembled the sun was beaming. Parents pushing baby strollers walked alongside people in wheelchairs and children on scooters. Young and old, Greek and non-Greek.

“We’re united as one in that moment because we’re all walking for the same cause,” said Costas.

Afterwards, approximately 350 guests gathered under white tents erected on the church grounds. A barbecue of hot dogs and hamburgers was sponsored by The Boca Diner, and parishioners were on hand to serve.

As in previous years, the event was capped off with a multicultural concert led by violin teacher, Peggy Everett, and featuring children from the community playing music and performing Irish step dances. “Men of the House,” a family band playing folk music also performed.

St. Jude’s success stories, such as fifteen year old Iliana Tzikas, mingled with the crowd and bore witness not only to the marvels of modern technology but the resilience of the human spirit.

A radiant beauty and modern day heroine, Iliana possesses an uncommon blend of courage and gratitude born out of adversity. Diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in October 2007, she is now in remission after receiving stem cells from her father. “I feel really good,” she smiled. “It was a humbling experience, and it opened my eyes. I just can’t explain it…it makes you strong.”

The celebration of music, dancing, food and stories are all a reminder of triumph over tragedy.

“More people are aware that they can do something good…that they have the strength to bring people together,” said Thelma.

Costas added: “It started with a light bulb but it’s the people who walk and pledge that pulled the switch. From then on the light just keeps getting brighter and brighter.”

If you’re interested in contributing or getting involved in the St. Mark’s/St. Jude’s Walk-a-thon, please contact costaandthelma@comcast.net