In 2024, PASYKAF responded to the needs of 8,599 patients and their families through 38,826 meetings held across Cyprus, according to Mona Theocharidou, Director of the PASYKAF Archangel Michael Palliative Care Centre in Paphos.
Speaking to CNA, Theocharidou explained the centre has been operating for 14 years and receives support from various organisations and individuals. PASYKAF was founded in 1986 by 21 people with personal experience of cancer, alongside dedicated friends and supporters.
The Archangel Michael centre is licensed for palliative care and hosts cancer patients in nine rooms—including facilities for children, a unique offering in Cyprus. Patients are supported either during the final stages of life or while receiving palliative care aimed at improving quality of life. Psychological support is also offered to both patients and their families, to help them return home when possible.
The centre operates within the national healthcare system (GeSY), but also relies heavily on fundraising by both PASYKAF and St Michael Hospice to meet its ongoing needs.
This week alone, the centre received donations from violinist Andreas Nikolaou, health and wellness coach Dr Andri Avraam, and SEK’s regional secretary Petros Demosthenous. Dr Avraam, who gave a lecture for International Women’s Day, focused on the importance of sleep, nutrition, and exercise for long-term health. She highlighted the role of mental wellbeing in physical health, noting that healing must address both body and spirit.
Demosthenous explained that following the SEK event, Dr Avraam donated her speaking fee to PASYKAF’s centre—and SEK doubled the amount in support of the cause.
“Our aim,” he said, “is to provide practical support for the Archangel Michael Centre and to recognise the essential role it plays in the Paphos community.”
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