Greece: K.E.F.I. of Athens – Association of Cancer Patients of Athens

Member’s description

The Athens Association of Cancer Patients “KEFI” was established in spring 2004 by cancer survivors who decided to dedicate their time and spirit to support cancer patients and their families.

What’s in a name?

Kefi (κέφι) in Greek means gusto or zeal; taking after its namesake, KEFI aims at changing the common view that disease can wear out both the patients’ body and psyche. This premise is challenged daily by all our members offering moral support to anyone fighting cancer.

The driving idea behind KEFI is to offer patient support that goes beyond simply going through the motions. KEFI has the following principles:

To face the social stigma associated with the disease and its treatment.

To develop a spirit of solidarity and mutual support in favor of the psychological and social rehabilitation of the oncological patients.

To raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment and to ultimately communicate the message that cancer is not invincible.

Staying true to these principles, KEFI offers psychological and social support to cancer patients and their families and trains volunteers to develop skills for supporting patients and caregivers.

Every year KEFI hosts various conferences and seminars, raising awareness of medical developments on cancer treatment and cancer prevention. The most important project of KEFI, “Support @Home”, focuses on the provision of psychosocial support by specialized psychologists and social workers to terminal and/or disabled patients in their homes. KEFI also offers gymnastics classes for cancer patients to help them cope with their harsh therapies and weakened body, as well as other activities.

Organizational objectives and key programs

Our organizational objectives are:

• To face the social stigma associated with the disease and its treatment.
• To develop a spirit of solidarity and mutual support in favor of the psychological and social rehabilitation of the oncological patients.
• To raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment and to ultimately communicate the message that cancer is not invincible.

Our key programs are:

• Support Home;
• Personal Assistant of the Cancer Patient;
• Stress Management seminar for onco-nurses;
• Psychological support groups for patients & for caregivers;
• Digital World, a seminar for patients without digital skills.