Rafaela Prifti/
The vibrant floral arrangements in the AFC logo mugs displayed as center pieces livened up the private room of the Boathouse Bistro Beachfront in Hull that hosted the Albanians Fighting Cancer (AFC – USA) fundraiser appropriately titled Hope Blooms Here. On the heels of her recent visit to Albania, Roberta Panariti, Founder and President of AFC – USA shared in her remarks the experience of witnessing the needs of hospitals in Korce and Gjirokaster. In the fight against cancer, time and time again, togetherness has shown to be a powerful force. The delivery of essential medical equipment such as three Drager Anesthesia Machines and a list of other hospital devices marked a major accomplishment that involved overcoming immense challenges thanks to partnerships with Medwish and the generous collaboration of Fotini Kokeri, trustee and General Director of Kosloski Family Foundation. As important as the machinery and technical advancements are, when it comes to cancer, the vital hope comes from the presence of the community.
Its meaning inspired the event that organizers Anila Raxhimi, sisters Zana and Elisa Balashi and Albana Qinami began to put together during the summer months. On Thursday evening, the attendees came to the sold-out gathering at the Albanian-American family owned restaurant on the Southern Edge of the Boston harbor, co-owner Tinka Martini McCauley welcoming them at the door.
Lots of familiar faces of supporters and volunteers who are present and committed at every AFC event as well as many newcomers quickly related to each other through spoken or unspoken personal experiences or battles of relatives or family members with cancer.
Amassing a large following, AFC has expanded its reach to more hospitals in towns like Permet and Gjirokaster and to Kosova based organizations dedicated to helping women affected by breast cancer such as It’s Worth Living. In the Operation Rooms of Korca’s hospital, the patients may never meet any of the people who have shown compassion and kindness towards others in need but they would know that someone cared. That is the message that AFC President brought with her from the July visit to Albania. Aside from gratitude from doctors and patients, on a personal level, the return to her hometown of Korca, 30 years after leaving the country with her family, was characterized by a deep public display of emotions.
With the end of the remarks on Thursday night, just like supporters have come to expect, they joined Roberta as the principal soloist in singing some of the old favorites. It is understood that although the theme is rather heavy, the spirits are not. Popular ballads and traditional Albanian repertoire performed on electric violin by Rozita Fishta shaped the joyful program of the evening. Her expressive technique and unique sound enveloped the room and audience overflowing with tenderness and warmth.
Half way into the evening, the celebration heated up with traditional Southern folk dancing interspersed with singing in a sort of Lady’s night out style gathering – a standout feature of the three-hour long event. The interpretation of songs like Eja Eja Lulebore presented the qualities of Justina Fishta Martini’s voice that delighted the gathering. Stepping back from the hand movements of various dances, the clattering of plates, the harbor sunset, the sing-alongs, the evening was a balanced composition of everything like the bouquet of alstroemeria, roses, ranunculus, hydrangea, and sunflowers in the mug with the AFC logo on it – the blooms being stronger and more beautiful together.
Speaking with Roberta afterwards, Leopold Martini, member of a well respected family from Shkodra, who resides in the Boston area, said that he was glad he came. Then added that he would support AFC’s mission even if he can’t be present in the next event.
AFC is gearing up for its annual gathering in the fall and hopes to carry the dynamic energy and excitement of the end of summer fundraiser to October, designated as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month https://albaniansfightingcancer.org/
Photo Courtesy Zoe Stoner