STATEN ISLAND, NY – On September 27, the Philoptochos Society of the Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas parish on Staten Island organized a presentation at the community’s Katsoris Center, regarding the work being done to address autism by the Utica-based Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI).
The presentation was given by Christina Kapetanakis, who shared her personal experience involving her son, Stefanos.
As she stated, “Stefanos was diagnosed with autism during his teenage years, and thanks to the Institute’s personalized intervention programs, he made significant progress in developing his communication skills, thereby ensuring a better quality of life and smoother social integration.”
The Institute’s representative and Board member, Archon Harry Pateroulakis, expressed his gratitude— via The National Herald— to the parish for hosting the event and to the Philoptochos Society for their support and organization. “The Institute’s Executive Director is Dr. Maria Kontaridi,” he noted. “Under her guidance, scientific research focuses on autism and neuroimmunological/neurocognitive disorders.”
Attendees listen to the informative presentation on autism at the Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas community’s Katsoris Center on Staten Island. Photo: TNH/Michael Kakias
“Using advanced technologies, such as brain organoid models, her team works toward a deeper understanding of these conditions, including PANS/PANDAS syndromes (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections).”
“To continue its important work, the Institute requires financial resources and seeks everyone’s support,” he added.
It should be noted that the parish’s Philoptochos Society is organizing a walkathon on Saturday, October 24, to raise funds in support of the Institute.