Today, during the 5th annual Greece Cancer Summit organized by The Economist, I had the opportunity to attend the speech of Korina Pateli-Bell, Founder and President of FairLife Lung Cancer Care. FairLife was established in memory of her late husband, Simon Bell, who served the shipping industry as a shareholder and co-founder of FairSeas Average Adjusters. Listening to her passionate advocacy for lung cancer screening, I was moved to learn more about her story and the critical importance of lung health—not just for individuals but for entire industries, including shipping.
The Story Behind FairLife Lung Cancer Care
As Korina mentioned «Simon was the inspiration behind FairLife Lung Cancer Care, the first and only nonprofit organization in Greece exclusively dedicated to lung cancer. The pain of his loss turned into a mission. Simon dedicated nearly four decades to the shipping industry before facing an uneven battle with lung cancer. He passed in August of 2020, at the age of 57, leaving behind his two young children and me to navigate life without him».
To honor his memory, the first lung cancer screening program, “Lung Health,” was developed by a private hospital, offered free of charge to vulnerable social groups, and initially supported by Laskaridis Shipping, Alassia NewShips Management, and Tsakos Group. FairLife was born to bring Simon’s vision to life—ensuring equal opportunities for lung cancer patients in Greece.
Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases worldwide, and early detection is crucial. However, access to screening and innovative treatments remains a challenge. FairLife is working to close these gaps, advocating for early diagnosis and equal access to life-saving care. Ιn Greece every hour, one person is losing his life to lung cancer.
FairLife’s Mission and Impact
FairLife is committed to:
- Raising Awareness: Educating the public about lung cancer risks, prevention, and the importance of screening.
- Providing Support Services: Offering psychological support, patient navigation, and advocacy to ensure access to the best possible care. So far, 999 patients and caregivers have been supported through 5.175 hours of psychological sessions.
- Advancing Research and Policy: Collaborating with medical experts and policymakers to push for early diagnosis, innovative treatments, and clinical trial participation.
- Engaging Industry Leaders: Partnering with key sectors, to implement workplace health initiatives that promote lung cancer prevention and early detection.
«Simon’s journey was marked by courage, but also by challenges—barriers to screening, lack of access to experimental treatments, and delays in receiving care. These are issues many patients face, and FairLife is determined to change that»
Why the Shipping Industry Should Care
The shipping industry is the backbone of global trade, but maritime professionals are often exposed to environmental and occupational hazards that increase their risk of lung disease. Air pollution, industrial chemicals, and secondhand smoke contribute to respiratory issues, making lung health a key concern for the sector.
Shipping companies can take action by:
- Promoting Lung Health: Incorporating lung cancer awareness into corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
- Supporting Screening Programs: Encouraging early detection efforts among employees.
- Partnering with FairLife: Supporting research, advocating for policy changes, and funding access to innovative treatments.
By prioritizing lung health, the shipping industry can safeguard the well-being of its workforce and set an example of corporate responsibility.
“Simon’s last words to me were filled with hope and determination—to make a difference for those battling this disease. Together, we can transform lung cancer care and prevention, ensuring that no family endures the same loss. Our journey has not been easy. However, the recognition of FairLife as the “Organization of the Year 2024” and a total of 14 distinctions inspire and empower us to keep moving forward”.
As FairLife continues its mission to transform lung cancer care, the shipping industry has a unique opportunity to stand at the forefront of this fight—safeguarding not just the lives of its workers but also setting a precedent for corporate responsibility in healthcare advocacy.
