Meet Pantelis Hatzis, a 38-year-old author and artist hailing from Naousa, Imathia, Central Macedonia, Greece. His life is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Pantelis was born with a leg disability, requiring him to use crutches from a very young age. Additionally, he has been battling kidney disease since the age of fourteen. He underwent his first dialysis at the age of nineteen, continuing until the age of twenty-seven when he received a kidney transplant. Today, he is once again undergoing dialysis, demonstrating incredible strength in his ongoing health journey.
A Voice for the Kidney Community
For the past nine years, Pantelis has been the driving force behind the blog www.nefropatheis.gr and the Facebook group “Νεφροπαθείς και μεταμοσχευμένοι Ελλάδας” (Kidney Patients and Transplant Recipients of Greece). He has also managed the blog www.dwrea-zois.gr and the Facebook group “Δωρεά οργάνων, Δώρο ζωής” (Organ Donation, Gift of Life), in collaboration with his friend and colleague Elena Magiati-Karabi, a kidney transplant recipient of thirty-one years.
Together, they embarked on a mission to create books for children with organic insufficiencies, starting with kidney diseases in children. Their first book, “Οι περιπέτειες του Ρούλη Νεφρούλη” (“The Adventures of Roulis Kidney”), was created to empower young fighters. It was distributed for free in pediatric dialysis units across Greece and internationally. The book’s reception was beyond expectations, touching the hearts of young readers and their families. “The Adventures of Roulis Kidney” even received the Special Jury Award at the World Literary Festival “Panorama 2022” from the International Organization Writers Capital International Foundation.
Empowering Patients through Knowledge
Their next project was the creation of the book “Το γλωσσάρι της αιμοκάθαρσης” (“The Dialysis Glossary”). This unique 84-page illustrated book offers valuable information for individuals undergoing dialysis, and it’s the only one of its kind globally. Through this book, the authors participated in the Panorama 2023 International Book Awards.
Pantelis’ love for storytelling and writing was ignited at a young age, although he also had a passion for photography. At just nine years old, he had his first encounter with a camera. As he grew older, however, the art of writing began to captivate him. In his teenage years, he felt compelled to create something, and at the age of seventeen, he cautiously ventured into writing a theatrical script centered around the Greek Revolution of 1821.
For Pantelis, writing is not just a means of expression; it’s a soulful journey. It allows him to convey his experiences to the world and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Capturing the Beauty of Landscapes
In addition to his writing endeavors, Pantelis has a deep appreciation for photography. His preferred subject is landscapes, which captivate his attention. Through his lens, he beautifully captures the splendor of nature’s wonders.
Pantelis Hatzis is a remarkable individual whose life is a source of inspiration for many. His creative spirit, resilience, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others make him a true hero in his own right. We salute his unwavering spirit and look forward to his future endeavors in both the literary and artistic worlds.
