An Italy-Côte d’Azur Assembly took place on Friday, January 20 at the Aston Hotel in Nice. For the occasion, the President of the “Italy-Côte d’Azur” association, Eliane Slama, and her First Vice-President, Ludmila Spyridakis, announced a positive outcome in favor of cancer research. They took the opportunity to detail the program for the new year.
Created four years ago, this association pursues a most honorable objective: to raise funds for cancer research. The choice is not random. With moved eyes, the President explains the reason that led her to such an action: “I have many friends around me who have this disease. It has deeply affected me.” Determined, she managed to contribute 12,000 euros to the Lacassagne center in Nice and 8,000 euros to the Piedmontese Foundation for Cancer Research.
This result was achieved thanks to a multitude of operations carried out until last year. To raise this sum, the group offers trips to Italy, bilingual concerts, meals to build friendships, cultural or medical themed conferences, etc. This bilaterality is seen as essential by the First Vice-President. Thus, the relations between the two countries are the second goal set by this body. And it lives up to its name!
If Eliane Slama chose our neighboring country to forge more ties with the Côte d’Azur, it is for a simple reason: she is also a Municipal Councilor in charge of relations with Italy. Currently, “Italy-Côte d’Azur” is making its way. These few years have overall been fruitful. The biggest event: a gala organized at the Casino Ruhl.
Several personalities from both countries were present. It was the case with Christian Estrosi. The person in charge rejoices over this adventure. An adventure that started with a very low budget and was made possible thanks to the will of volunteer organizers. Indeed, everyone, including Eliane Slama, pays for each event in the same way as the registered members.
For the future, the program tends to be busy, very diverse, and full of originality. There is no lack of imagination. During the first quarter of 2006, a conference on “Myths and Legends” will take place. Later, a very particular music concert. The musicians will be the three most brilliant students from the Nice conservatory. In April, the association plans another conference. But this time on Omega 3 and the fight against aging. To develop the “Nissart’attitude” according to the President, nothing better than a guided tour of Old Nice just before summer.
And why not a friendly picnic! For September, a trip to a few Italian cities such as Verona will be honored. Not to forget a conference by a famous writer…, and another whose date is not yet set and which could prove to be eventful: the aftermath of Chernobyl. The list of projects goes on and on! The end of the year will be devoted to promoting the Côte d’Azur in Nice. “It will take the form of a gala in a prestigious setting,” confirms Eliane Slama. The only hitch: the number of available places is limited.
A good deed while having fun.
So many activities whose benefits will be donated to researchers working on cancer. A disease that kills thousands of people each year.
The Assembly concluded with a call for support from Ludmila Spyridakis: “I ask you to attend our activities as often as possible.” With a hundred members, this association is developing, but is it enough? The voice becomes serious, the tone serious. She continues: “Because the pleasure of attending an enjoyable event will be added to the satisfaction of participating in research. Research whose outcome concerns each of us.”
Emotion reigns in the room. Breaths stop, tears appear. “Who has not dealt with the terrible forms of this disease through the suffering of a friend, a neighbor. Through the pain of a relative, a loved one, or oneself? Huge progress has been made. Much remains to be done. Your support will contribute to the scientific advancement to fight this sad disease that is cancer.” A gesture, progress, hope.
