Anna Kanakis, dead a year ago for a lymphoma at age 61 years oldhaving allocated the proceeds from the sale of his family in his will treasures at the Veronesi Foundation and that Italian Lymphoma Federation. The auction will take place on December 1st in Monte Carlo at Wannenes. “It was his collection. He had this passion. Before we got married, she would make a movie, save money, and buy earrings or bracelets. Especially, elegant. But she was elegant even if she had so many sparks on her,” she said in an interview with him Corriere della Sera multi Husband Marco Merati Foscariniwho spent almost twenty years with the actor. The two met and married in four months, when she was 42 and he was 57. What they had in common was “a body. I wrote it in my memoir, we talked about everything, always, never stopping.”
“THE LAST DAY I WAS WITH HER”
Kanakis discovered the disease in 2018 with a routine blood test and responded to the diagnosis “with great courage. And above all caring for others,” says Merati Foscarini. “In the hematology emergency room of the Policlinico Umberto I in Rome, there are three plaques that remember her,” he continues. “Anna has done the whole department, where she was missing among other things”. The actress did not know that there was anything she could do. ”At each visit, he asked what it was and moved on.” the husband was partially prepared, “as they told me. But you always hope for a miracle.” After two remissions, the last day came. “I was there with her. She didn’t want me to be there. He told me: go away. But I didn’t leave.”
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Interview between the Time.news Editor and Marco Merati Foscarini
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Marco. The memories of Anna Kanakis are still fresh for many, especially in light of the upcoming auction to benefit the Veronesi Foundation and the Italian Lymphoma Federation. Can you share a bit about Anna’s passion for jewellery and how it developed over the years?
Marco Merati Foscarini: Thank you for having me. Anna had a remarkable passion for jewellery, something that was evident even before we met. She would save money from her acting projects specifically to acquire elegant pieces—earrings, bracelets, you name it. This was her way of expressing herself, and it always brought her so much joy.
Editor: The auction of her collection is set to take place on December 1st in Monte Carlo. How do you feel about the decision to allocate the proceeds to cancer research and support organizations?
Marco: It was Anna’s wish to help others, even in her passing. I believe she would be proud knowing that her treasures could contribute to such important causes. The Veronesi Foundation and the Italian Lymphoma Federation do incredible work, and it’s a fitting legacy for her memory.
Editor: Your bond with Anna was unique. You both faced significant life challenges together, especially her battle with lymphoma. Can you tell us about the day you received her diagnosis?
Marco: It was in 2018, during a routine blood test. We took it in stride initially, but the reality hit hard. Anna faced her illness with tremendous courage and, paradoxically, always made sure to care for others before herself. There are even plaques in honor of her at the hematology emergency room in Rome, which speaks volumes about her impact.
Editor: That speaks to her character. It must have been incredibly difficult for you both. Could you share a bit about her spirit during the treatment and how she managed to stay so courageous?
Marco: Anna’s strength was awe-inspiring. Even during tough times, she maintained a positive outlook and was always concerned for those around her. She would often ask about the well-being of others, even when she had every right to focus on her own struggles. This was her nature—she was a light to many.
Editor: It’s moving to hear how deeply she cared. In your memoir, you mentioned the importance of communication between you two. Could you elaborate on that aspect of your relationship?
Marco: Absolutely. We communicated openly about everything—there was never a topic too heavy or too light. It was this deep connection that allowed us to support each other fully, especially during her illness. I don’t think I could have faced those days without our constant dialog.
Editor: In the final moments you shared together, you mentioned that she didn’t want you to be by her side. What was that experience like for you?
Marco: It was profoundly emotional. The last day was heart-wrenching; she asked me to leave, likely because she wanted to shield me from the reality of the moment. But I couldn’t. I stayed by her side, holding her hand. It was important to me to be there for her. I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone.
Editor: Thank you for sharing such intimate details, Marco. Anna’s legacy through her auction and your memories resonates deeply with many. Is there anything you would like to say to her fans and those affected by similar battles?
Marco: To Anna’s fans and everyone who has faced cancer, I want to say this: You are not alone in your struggles. There is hope, and together, we can bring about change and support one another. Anna fought hard; and through her legacy, I hope others can find strength and solace.
Editor: Thank you, Marco. Your insights are invaluable, and Anna’s spirit will surely live on through your words and the impact of her contributions.
Marco: Thank you for having me. It means a lot to continue sharing her story.