The Goals for Hope Women’s Soccer tournament on August 6, 2011, at the Stringham Road fields in LaGrange will be dedicated to Elena Peratikos. She is a 3 year breast cancer survivor and a true asset to our community.

In her own words:
“I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer on December 17, 2008. I grew up in East Fishkill and now live in Highland. I’ve been a Guidance Counselor for the past 6 years at John Jay High School, and prior to that I worked with abused and neglected children for 10 years.

“I played soccer from age 7 to about 21. I played for EFSC, East Hudson Select and John Jay. I was on the first girls travel team from East Fishkill. I tried to play indoors with a few of the girls from the old team this winter to try to get in shape to play in Goals for Hope this summer. I played three games and ended up on my ass a lot and had one beautifully memorable face-plant. At least I entertained my friends. I could barely walk after the games and I’m actually having knee surgery on Tuesday to repair the damage! The girls who came back to play for GFH on Team Elena were the same girls from the John Jay and East Fishkill teams. The coach of the East Fishkill travel team also came to GFH to watch us. It was so great seeing people show up that I haven’t seen in over 20 years. I never imagined that level of support. The experience I had through breast cancer has done so much to improve my life — I wouldn’t change a thing if I could.”

And in the words of her partner, Janine Loos:
“In December 2008, at the age of 40, Elena was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer.

“Elena is one of the most resilient people I have met in my life. To see her confront breast cancer through months of chemotherapy treatments, the loss of her physical appearance that she has always known, and 5 surgeries has made me realize the power of hope and faith. She refused to accept the identity of the cancer and transformed her experience into an opportunity to build a stronger bond with her spirituality, and her emotional and physical well being. The reality of the disease challenged both of us to think and love deeper. Both of our lives have forever changed and we have come to realize that in some strange way…it is the best thing that ever happened to both of us.

“For the past 3 years, “Team Elena” has participated in the annual Goals for Hope tournament. The hard work and dedication that the staff and committee members put forth each year to make this such a positive and inspirational experience for those affected by breast cancer is truly AMAZING! Thank you to Miles of Hope, our family and friends for their support throughout the past few years. Elena and I could never do any of this without you all!”

For more info contact Pari Forood, Executive Director, Miles of Hope – 845-264-2005

Read about Goals for Hope on our website.