The Association of Oncohematological Families of Lanzarote (AFOL) celebrated its XVII charity dinner, "20 Years of Struggle", last Saturday night. After a year of stoppage due to Covid-19, this year they met again at the restaurant of the El Campesino Monument.
In this edition, the capacity was reduced to 200 diners due to health protocols. The total collection amounted to 3,000 euros, which will be used to maintain the association.
The night began with welcome words from the president, Carmen Arrocha, who thanked the collaboration of some institutions involved with the cause, anonymous people, companies and diners. Then, a video was shown where some patients exposed and thanked the orientation and support received by AFOL. In it, they explained that when the disease was detected, thanks to the support received, it was easier for the patient and family.
Next, dinner was served and after dessert, the performance of the young Lanzarote singer, Daniel Moisés, took place. A solidary heart always willing to collaborate in projects like these. The singer chose a very varied repertoire of well-known songs and although they could not be danced, they accompanied him in the choruses applauding each of his songs.
After the performance of Daniel Moisés, the raffle of several products donated by commercial firms and anonymous people took place. The night ended with a few words from the president, Carmen Arrocha, thanking them for their attendance and collaboration.
Message from the president, "20 Years of Struggle"
"Good evening, welcome to the XVII Charity Dinner of A.F.O.L. after almost two years, we meet again. It is important to be here, that means that we are moving forward, but with caution and responsibility. We do not want to go back. It has been very difficult for many and we are still in it. In this period, we have contributed by supporting at all times, the needs and their services. Looking for the way and the means that was, to obtain the resources that they requested; for A.F.O.L. there was no rest. We are with them, they are brave, tenacious and face with courage what comes, they are our family.
Today we want to give encouragement and a lot of strength because together we will get out of this pandemic.
Our objectives are being achieved, with tenacity, it is our commitment not to falter. Soon, there will be radiotherapy on our island, and we are already requesting the PET (Positron Emission Tomography), more oncologists, specialist doctors, doctors in primary care, speed in diagnostic tests, a specialized emergency protocol, more presence and less telephone, less waiting list... We know that the labor market is difficult, but we must continue to advance in communication and solutions.
At a social level, we have to continue shortening bureaucracy and give more presence to the person, not everyone knows how to defend themselves through telematic networks. It is essential to tell the people who attend, that when one goes to ask for something, it is out of necessity. We receive unprecedented cases and sayings, third world for our time. There is a lack of empathy.
It is also pleasant, at a social level, that A.F.O.L. receives recognition for its work and if it is at the national level, better. We have received the PRENAMO award (National Award for Solidarity with Honorary Title, for its Excellence in Corporate Social Commitment).
The institutions are there to serve the citizen; in its fair and balanced measure. if you request any appointment, help or need to speak and they do not answer you or tell you NO, we will all understand or claim it. For that reason, A.F.O.L. does not understand what is happening to the president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote who has not received us for two years and does not tell us why either. On the other hand, she receives other associations and people from other places. Is it because what is outside is better or more cache? We are not the only ones, it seems that the associations of Lanzarote that have done so much good on the island, and that have taken the chestnuts out of the fire, for more than 20 years, now want to erase and privatize them. It is preferred that they earn a lot of money, before "the quality, personal and family well-being". Where is the humanity and the knowledge to manage communication to understand each other? What happens in the so-called house of the people of Lanzarote, that they do not allow their entry?.
We also do not know, nor have we been called, the Minister of Social Welfare, and the Minister of Health of the Cabildo. They must be very busy, at least say "you can call, if you need it." What to do in the face of so much uncertainty if the institutions themselves close the doors to you? How is the citizen going to manage their problems?.
The associations are the third sector of our country and we are supporting and strengthening the user who needs it. Work that the government should do and they recognize it, but it is easier to say, "let them understand each other."
The subsidies they give must be granted in a timely manner, not at the end of the year. Workers also have life and family, and they are justified with clarity and transparency.
A.F.O.L. will continue to claim and demonstrate that health is the most important thing, and that together we can fight and ensure that users have the necessary resources to improve their quality of life. The doors of A.F.O.L. are open and available to try to solve everything that is in our hands.
When you do things with love and thinking about doing good to another, you never lose.
Stay with that peace of having done the right thing. Thank you for supporting us."