The Dodecanese Association of Autoimmune Diseases, Arthritis & Lupus “THALEIA” organizes the 23rd Walk of Life & Hope on Sunday, September 20, 2026. With the core message “I’m not lazy… I have an autoimmune disease…”, the initiative aims to raise public awareness about people living daily with autoimmune conditions and the invisible challenges they face.
This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of the internationally renowned Dodecanesian painter and valuable supporter of the association, Dion Zachariou.
🚶 Sunday’s Walk
The walk will commence at Agios Panteleimonas (Old Town) with an arrival time of 17:30.
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Route: Agios Panteleimonas – Outside the Old Town on the wooden boardwalk – Windmills – St. Nicholas Lighthouse and return to the starting point.
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Music & Participation: The walk will be musically accompanied by Stergos Volas and Dimitris Vasilaras, alongside the participation of the Vasia Christina Karveli Dance School.
ℹ️ Information Kiosk & Activities (Cyprus Square)
Prior to Sunday’s main event, the “THALEIA” Association kiosk will be located at Cyprus Square for public information and community engagement, accompanied by music and special activities:
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Wednesday 16/09: 18:00 – 20:30
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Thursday 17/09: 18:00 – 20:30 (Featuring music by Giannis Papatheodorou)
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Friday 18/09: 18:00 – 20:30
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Saturday 19/09: 11:30 – 14:30 (Featuring Manolis Loudikos & his team in a special show)
📅 Main Event Details
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Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
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Arrival Time: 17:30
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Starting Point: Agios Panteleimonas, Old Town, Rhodes
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Organizer: Dodecanese Association of Autoimmune Diseases, Arthritis & Lupus “THALEIA”
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Co-organization: Directorate of Social Welfare of the Region of South Aegean
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Support: Municipality of Rhodes