In these unprecedented and difficult hours, I am moved to see our people united in the fight for a more hopeful tomorrow. ‘Me’ has given way to ‘us’. Each of us is taking personal responsibility, considering the common good, because the only way for us to overcome this major national and global crisis is for each of us to understand that we are an intrinsic part of a whole, and that our actions impact every citizen of this country.

My thoughts, heart and concern are always with children with cancer and their families, and with every one of our fellow citizens in hardship. I pray with all my heart that the Virgin Mother will be with each and every one of us, giving us the strength to overcome difficulties and filling our hearts with faith in our ability, all together, to prevail.

As I follow the numbers every day in our country and abroad – numbers that so coldly reflect the current harsh reality – I feel the need to congratulate the State and our leader, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, on Greece’s quick reflexes at the start of the pandemic in taking all of the necessary measures to minimise the repercussions from the crisis. The contribution of the heroic doctor and, above all, human being, Professor Sotiris Tsiodras, has been invaluable, as, together with his team, he performs a daily feat to keep our country standing. Our homeland is indebted to him.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the great heroes of this battle: the doctors and nurses who, throughout this time, have not stopped giving their all, showing that humanity, charity and love for others survive in the most difficult circumstances.

A separate thank-you to the medical and nursing staff of our Oncology Hospital – the vigilant guardians of the children of ELPIDA – who put all their strength into ensuring that our children can fight their own daily battle in a safe environment and emerge victorious. I also thank the bone marrow donors who, under unfavourable conditions, come from every corner of our country to donate the precious grafts and save our children. I thank them from the bottom of my heart! 

We have been very moved throughout this time to receive major donations and hospital supplies from organizations abroad, supporters and allies, who are aware of the sacred work being done at our hospital and are standing by us to ensure the hospital’s smooth operation.

We Greeks have always shown that we can do anything if we stand united. We are staying at home and protecting our loved ones, vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with health problems, and children with neoplastic diseases.

 With all my soul, I hope that this ordeal will soon be in the past – for our country and for all of humanity. So that we can soon take one another’s hands and say that we made it.

Together and individually, with a sense of responsibility and solidarity, we will fight for Hope, fight for Life. And we will win. We’re all staying at home, united and loving, with the help of the Virgin Mother protecting us all.