Cancer friends aim to raise €500,000 in new campaign

THE Cyprus association of cancer patients and friends (PASYKAF) has launched its annual awareness campaign and aims to raise €500,000 to be able to continue to offer its services and programmes and respond to the growing needs of cancer patients and their families.

During the month-long campaign, titled “Mazi stin Zoi” (Together in Life), PASYKAF will host a number of events, charity fairs, presentations, dinners and a street fund raiser.

The €500,000 they aim to raise is “necessary for the operation of the home nursing and palliative care programmes and for the continuation and development of all services and programs offered by PASYKAF in Cypriot society”, the head of the organisation Dr Anna Achilleoudi said.

She also said that the organisation is to expand its home nursing and palliative care programmes which last year tended to 2,035 patients, to provide 24-hour service, initially in the Nicosia and Limassol districts.

Among the services PASYKAF provides, Achilleoudi said, are psychosocial support, physical therapy, the Lymphoedema clinics, patient transport, day centres and the info programmes to reduce cancer cases and mortality.

In total, she said, PASYKAF’s services supported more than 5,000 patients and their families in 2014. All services and programmes are offered nationwide to all, for free.

PASYKAF’s good will ambassador, popular Cypriot singer Evridiki, stressed the importance of providing access to specialised services and rehabilitation programmes to hundreds of patients who struggle with cancer.

The street fundraiser will take place between October 7 and 11. All volunteers will carry with them authorisation for the fundraiser by PASYKAF.

The public can also make its contribution through the Charity Direct service by sending an sms to 7060 with the message PASYKAF 1 for €1 contribution, PASYKAF 3 for €3, or PASYKAF 5 for €5. All contributions to the PASYKAF are deducted from taxable income.

Members of the public interested in participating in events of PASYKAF or contribute as volunteers may call 22 345 444.

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