"Everyone has the right to understand-everyone can make a difference"
I am sad to report that Mrs. Afrodite Tsigaridis died just days after her 87th birthday.
Given her remarkable character, I feel compelled to write a few words about her. I cannot help but smile when I think of one of our recurring telephone conversations, over the last 20 years. In her thick Greek accent, she would say: “I have money for Cedars, I need a new leg, can you help me find a new leg?” Imagine her stomping through the snow on her prosthetic leg and visiting everyone that she could, restaurants, jewelry shops, bakeries and her MP. It was almost impossible to say ‘no’ to her.
Despite gradually failing health, she would not slow down and would not rest when she was in ‘fund-raising mode’. She was simply indomitable and as a result of her strength, her spirit and her determination, she raised tens of thousands of dollars, despite her very modest personal means.
Mrs. Tsigaridis was a shining example of someone who was determined to give back to the hospital and the Cedars Foundation, in spite of the challenges that she faced. Her care team and Cedars will remember her and miss her. We extend our deepest condolences to her friends and family.