The Cyprus Association for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease (CYCCA), together with volunteer hiker Alexis Sophocleous, as part of the initiative “Step by Step Across Cyprus,” which Mr. Sophocleous represents, organized a charity walk on Sunday, 4 April 2021, in Limassol. The aim was to support the Association and promote the message “Let’s Make the Invisible Visible.” The walk started at 9:00 a.m. from the archaeological site of Amathus (Agia Varvara Chapel) and finished at 12:30 p.m. at the pier of Limassol Old Port. The total distance covered was 12 km.

This year, the Association celebrates 20 years of service and action. Our message is to break the silence, encourage patients to speak about what they experience and feel, and provide greater awareness of the conditions we represent. Our goal is to educate and sensitize the public and society about these diseases. We continue to advocate for our patients’ rights and, above all, for the better quality of life they deserve.

The walk was officially launched by the Mayor of Germasogeia, Mr. Kyriakos Xydias. Several friends and supporters of the Association also attended the starting point, demonstrating their support for the Association, which is run entirely by volunteers.

At 12:30 p.m., hiker Alexis Sophocleous, accompanied by many friends who chose to walk alongside him—including members of the Association’s Board of Directors and several patients—reached the finish line at Limassol Old Port. Part of the route was also joined by the Commissioner for Volunteerism, Mr. Yiannis Yiannakis. The event concluded with remarks by the Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Nikos Nicolaides.

Also present were the President of the Cyprus Federation of Patients’ Associations (OSAK), Mr. Marios Kouloumas, whom we warmly thank for his support, parliamentary candidates, representatives of ANT1 television, the European University Cyprus (EUC), the owner of Astrapi General Cleaners Ltd, who walked the entire route with us, journalists, and members of the public who supported the initiative either by walking with us, making donations, or attending the start and finish of the walk.

The event was held under the auspices of the Commissioner for Volunteerism, Mr. Yiannis Yiannakis.

Over the past year, both our non-profit Association and our patients have faced many challenges due to the pandemic. Despite these difficulties, the Association continues to dedicate all its efforts to supporting patients who need our help.

We would like to thank all the officials and friends who attended our event, as well as the television and radio stations that hosted us and the print and online media outlets that featured our story. We also extend our sincere thanks to the Cyprus Liver Patients and Friends Association “Prometheus,” whose representatives supported our effort and walked alongside us. United We Can!

A special thank you goes to our long-standing sponsor OPAP Cyprus, the European University Cyprus, Hellenic Mining Public Company Ltd, Vassiliko Cement Works, Sklavenitis Supermarkets, Astrapi General Cleaners Ltd, Costas Papaellinas Organization, and Pixel PhotoVisual Studio for their invaluable support and contribution.

United We Can!