Our heroes are people who know that they can make a difference. They know that a diagnosis of cancer in a child is a devastating blow not only to the child but to the entire family. They know that when children must leave home for cancer treatment, it is vitally important that they and their families have a safe haven in which to stay, a home-away-from-home with the love, support and encouragement of others readily available.

Our heroes are people who see a job that needs to be done, and do it. They receive no financial compensation, yet they are incredibly generous with their time, energy, and talents. Without the untiring efforts of these exceedingly difficult for Ronald McDonald House to maintain the broad scope and variety of programs and activities that are a key element in the children's growth, development and recovery.

In order to acknowledge and thank those who have contributed to the success of Ronald McDonald House, we are creating this new, special column honoring our own Ronald McDonald House Heroes. They truly provide, in the words of the popular song, "the wind beneath our wings". We hope you will enjoy reading about them, and we hope that your organization will join with us in this important work.

In this our premiere Ronald McDonald House Heroes column, we salute the contributions of the Greek Division and the driving force behind it, Niki Sideris.

Niki Sideris is a woman whose enthusiasm and persuasive skills probably could have induced the Athenians and the Spartans to sit down and negotiate. A native of Greece, Mrs. Sideris emigrated to the United States 23 years ago, but she has never cut her ties to the Greek community.

For 17 years, Mrs. Sideris worked as a hospital volunteer in Manhattan. It was though this involvement that she came to Ronald McDonald House almost five years ago. When the plans for the new House were being developed, she conceived of the the idea of a Greek Division.

"The Ronald McDonald House helped the Greek people so much." Mrs. Sideris recalled. "Creating the Greek Division was a way of recognizing their contribution."

A primary function of the Greek Division is to provide translation assistance, as many of the Greek children and families do not speak English. Other services include assistance with travel to and from Greece; helping  with visitors from Greece; and providing trips around New York City.

Another purpose of the Greek Division was to create a vehicle for fundraising in Greece and in the Greek-American community here. The Greek Division raises funds for the entire House.

In recent years, a significant number of children from Greece have come to Ronald McDonald House.

"In Greece, we have many good doctors," Mrs. Sideris explained, "but we don't have the facilities we have here."

Mrs. Sideris said she was very interested in determining why the cancer rate in Greece is high, especially among children. She said she had attended conferences on the subject, but no one definitive answer has yet emerged. There is some of the rise in childhood cancers in Greece may be caused by environmental factors.

The Greek community, both in Greece and in America, has responded with great enthusiasm to Mrs. Sideris' efforts. She initiated the Greek Division fundraising campaign by pledging to raise $250,000 for the conference room in the new House. Another donor from the Greek community. The Moscahlaidis Foundation, has provided a $300,000 gift for the ninth floor of the new House.

I December 1993, the Greek Division sponsored a very successful Christmas party fundraisers. Mrs. Sideris has also implemented a major letter-writing campaign in the Greek community, and she hopes the Greek Division will sponsor more events this year.

"I love Ronald McDonald House, and I have made it very well known in the Greek community here and in Greece," Mrs. Sideris said. "It's easy for me to collect money now in the Greek community because everyone knows Ronald McDonald House and loves it. People love the House because they know that the House does really help children and they can see right away where their money is going. Ronald McDonald House is just a fantastic idea."

We agree, and we thank the Greek Division and Niki Sideris for their continuing involvement and support. Your are Ronald McDonald House Heroes.

From The President's Desk:

It's hard to believe that a whole year has gone by since we moved into our beautiful new Ronald McDonald House on East 73rd Street.

Not that long ago, our new House was an empty lot. While we had no doubt that we needed a new, state-of-the-art facility with an increased capacity, we were also just a little bit worried that we might lose some of the spirit of the old House. Our larger size meant we could accommodate more than three times as many families in need, but we wanted to feel sure we could give them the same warmth, caring and love we had always offered our families.

After one year in our new House, I am delighted to be able to say that the spirit of the East 86th Street House has moved right into the Street 73rd Street House along with our families. Our facilities are better than ever. Our programs are more varied and more extensive. And our volunteers are just as enthusiastic and committed.

Since our opening, we have been almost 90 percent occupied all the time. On any given night, approximately 200 people stay at Ronald McDonald House. Our volunteer staff has expanded, and we are developing and implementing new educational and recreational activities and programs all the time. Our new neighbors are extremely friendly and supportive.

Our House really is a home.

Of course, our home may seem a bit upside down to you. During the daytime, most of the children are out of the House receiving treatment at one of the 12 major cancer centers in the New York City. Of course, our administrative staff are on the job and all of our administrative offices are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At night, where things are usually settling down at most houses, our House really begins to get busy. We have movies, parties, arts and crafts activities, Bingo tournaments, games, musical nights, and all kinds of other activities going. These activities are not just time fillers. They are our program - a program designed to give children back some of the autonomy they have lost in their lives and provide them with an opportunity to be children again.

Operating our House is an expensive prospect. The actual cost of one family's one-night stay at the House is approximately $140. Our policy has always been to charge  only a nominal fee of $20 per night. In many cases, even this fee is waived.

Building our House has also been an expensive undertaking. We are deeply grateful to all of the individuals, organizations, and corporations who have voiced their confidence in our purpose and program by pledging their support. Without them - without you - there could be no Ronald McDonald House.

We know that Ronald McDonald House works. Through the years, we have received numerous endorsements from many of the leading pediatricians, oncologists, surgeons, and other physicians and health care professionals.