-
.
- Ελληνικά
I accepted with great pleasure the kind invitation of "Roots" Publications to greet tonight's event for the presentation of Mr. Alavanos' book, where the literary work of Roots Publications is drawn on the same canvas as the multidimensional scientific and humanistic work of the Karaiskakio Foundation. Through this canvas, the importance of the cooperation and coexistence of art, and specifically of literature with health, is highlighted.
The contents of Mr. Alavanos' book, which I conducted with great interest, will be discussed shortly by the distinguished speakers Mr. Stavros Kyprianou and Mr. Sotiris Polyzos.
I will dwell on three key points, for me, which I took away from this book and would like to share them with you.
The first: I found the author's writing excellent, which in a simple yet brilliant way keeps the reader's interest alive and undiminished.
As a second key point, I think the central message of the book is none other than that each of us is capable of both the best and the worst, regardless of the stereotypical attitudes attributed, rightly or wrongly, to the social or professional group to which we belong.
The third point, which is the main reason why tonight's event was put under my patronage, is the issues of heart disease and leukaemia which the author touches on indirectly, devising ways of escaping from the harsh reality, offering an outlet for the feelings of his heroes through the plot and the development of his book. Both heart disease and leukemia are important areas of health today where science has made leaps and bounds and continues to do so.
Allow me to dwell a little more on leukemia, since for 23 years I volunteered at the Karaiskakio Foundation, an institution that has turned its attention to this disease. I feel blessed and proud to have served as president for many years at the Karaiskakio Foundation. The scientific and humanitarian contribution of the Karaiskakio Foundation has transcended the borders of our small homeland as the Cyprus Bone Marrow Donor Bank with over 200 thousand volunteer donors, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, is the first in the world in terms of population ratio. It is the best ambassador of our country since our small country connected through the donation of grafts 700 patients with leukemia and other hematological malignancies from 34 different countries giving a smile to hundreds of people. In the last 5 years he created a special Diagnostic and Research Center for Childhood Cancer, offering more than 85% cure success to children with leukemia and a meaning of life to their parents. This creative journey with the invaluable contribution of volunteer donors, mega sponsors and allies and fellow travelers, does not allow us to stop for a moment. Mr. Alavanos joins these fellow travellers with the work of the Karaiskakio Foundation tonight.
I am particularly pleased that Mr. Alavanos and Roots Publications will donate part of the proceeds of the book to the Karaiskakio Foundation, supporting in practice its important work, and I would like to express my thanks and gratitude for this. I would also like to convey my gratitude to a personal friend and long-time companion of the Karaiskakio Foundation, Mrs. Anna Papagianni, who continues to support the wonderful work of the Karaiskakio Foundation.
As John Kennedy said, "As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to offer words but to live by them."
We also thank all of you tonight for joining us for this beautiful event.
In closing I would like to wish as the book is well received and to the author and Roots Publications I wish professional success and above all health.
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
