Honestly, I have no words.
I've been thinking for days about what I could say that would be enough to express what I feel. Whatever I say seems poor but I owe it to you to try.
So here is my story.
After the rescue, when I saw the severity of the damage to the glass bottom, I froze. I talked to companies and engineers to assess the damage. When the numbers started to come in, I got discouraged. Within days, I realized that the summer for Glass Bottom was gone.
I asked for expert guidance on whether I am entitled to any state compensation. Unfortunately, my case did not fall into any of the categories provided. In short, there was no possibility of compensation from the State.
Essentially, I was alone. Very important word in the last sentence is «was».
Because then... you came along
First of all, my friends who started this campaign:
Elisa Bakopoulou, Marianna Gianniotis, Yannis Paschalas, Mari Koronaiou, Elena Malissou, George Lamboglou, Carlotta De Gennaro.
People who have stood by me not only with words but with deeds.
Who gave time, energy, heart.
Thanks to them, this effort became a reality.
And then, all of you.
Known and unknown.
You have given me courage and hope that I never imagined in my wildest dreams.
And today, I want to share something great:
I received a call that effectively concludes the campaign.
From the Globus Insurance, the company that insures the glass bottom.
My insurance policy did not provide for compensation for such a specific case.
But because our history moved them, have decided to cover the amount of the shortfall by donation.
You have managed to do that too
And for that, I owe you a huge thanks.
I know it's very little.
But I will say it over and over and over again:
E X A M P L E N T .
Captain Spyros
Honestly, I'm at a loss for words.
I've been thinking for days about what I could possibly say that would be enough to express what I feel.
Whatever I say seems inadequate-but I owe it to you to try.
So here is my story.
After the rescue, when I realized the extent of the damage to the boat, I froze.
I started talking with companies and engineers to assess the situation, and when the numbers started coming in, I was devastated.
Within just a few days, I understood that the summer for the Glass Bottom I reached out to people who might guide me in seeking compensation from the state, but my case didn't fall under any defined category.
Essentially, I was alone.
That word-what-is so important.
Because then... you all came.
First and foremost, my friends who launched this campaign:
Eliza Bakopoulou, Mariana Yanniotis, Giannis Paschalas, Mari Koronaiou, Elena Malissou, Giorgos Lampoglou, Carlotta De Gennaro.
People who stood by me-not just with words, but with actions.
They gave time, energy, heart.
Thanks to them, this effort became a reality.
And then, all of you.
Friends and strangers alike.
You gave me courage and hope I couldn't have imagined-even in my wildest dreams.
And today, I want to share something incredible:
I received a phone call that essentially brings the campaign to a close.
From Hydrogios Insurance, the company that insures the Glass Bottom.
My policy didn't cover such an unusual case.
But because our story moved them, they decided to cover the remaining amount through a donation.
You made that happen too.
And for that, I owe you a tremendous thank you.
I know it's not enough.
But I'll keep saying it again, and again, and again:
T H A N K Y O U.
Captain Spyros
