A special piano recital took place last month in Athens, marking the launch of Aurora, a charity born to celebrate the life and memory of Nicola David-Pinedo and embody her vision of supporting patients in their fight against haematological diseases.
While undergoing leukaemia treatment in Athens, Nicola witnessed firsthand the needs facing patients and their families in Greece, and, along with her husband Clemente, envisaged an organisation that would make a difference in these peoples’ lives.
Aurora’s stated mission is eradicating leukaemia and other haematological diseases by promoting research in the field of onco-haematology, while improving patient care, offering support to their families and investing in specialised medical centres.
The launch event, held at Parnassos Literary Society in Plateia Karytsis, was inspired by an idea shared by 17-year-old pianist Alexandros Kyriakopoulos, a friend of Nicola’s sons, who suggested to hold a tribute dedicated to her memory.
The talented young performer interpreted pieces of classical music that Nicola loved dearly, by Bach, Liszt, Beethoven, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, and Chopin.
“I feel deeply moved that I have been given the opportunity to honour the memory of the mother of my dear friends, Pavlos, Alejandro and Sergio, who lost their loving mother at such a tender age with this evening’s special artistic tribute,” says Alexandros.
Born and raised in Greece by a Greek Australian mother, Alexandros began piano lessons at the age of five, and most recently he was invited to perform at the 8th International Symposium of Kytheraismos to be held in November in Brisbane.
Knowing the Pinedo family personally, Alexandros described Nicola as an inspiring and compassionate woman whose loss caused profound sorrow and pain.
Her legacy, Aurora, honours her memory and brings into fruition her vision of supporting those afflicted by haematological diseases win their battles.
Among its undertakings, Aurora provides free accommodation for patients travelling to Athens for treatment, counselling support for patients and families, and research grants for scientific projects.
To find out more about the organisation and how you can support its work, visit aurora-together.com/