This morning Pope francis received in a private audience a large portrayal of the community of Ail – Italian Association against Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma who, on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of its foundation, came from all over Italy. There were over 3,000 volunteers from the 83 Ail territorial sections who,led by the national president Giuseppe Toro,together with patients,family members,doctors,healthcare workers,psychologists,researchers,supporters crowded the Paul VI hall,joyful and excited,too meet the Holy Father.
The Papal audience – reports a note - was a moment of grate spiritual growth, brotherhood and hope, and the prospect to symbolically retrace the stages that led Ail to be, in its 55-year journey, a point of reference for patients with blood cancer, their families and for all of Italian Hematology. The symbol of the meeting is the firefly which, silently, spreads its light in the darkness and sows hope and love in hearts. The message chosen by Ail for the meeting ‘Together we illuminate the future’ preserves the great commitment in the social and health sector that the Association has been carrying out with tireless commitment for decades.
“I am happy to meet you on the occasion of the 55th birthday of your Association – said Pope Francis - Thank you for your visit and above all for what you do. Along with financing research for treatment and for the development of hematology centers you offer hospitality to patients and family members, home care and closeness to many people, thanks to the work of thousands of volunteers throughout the territory. You are close, therefore compassionate and witnesses of solidarity and closeness; which is very important in this world increasingly marked by individualism. Today I woudl like give you three words starting from the message you have chosen for this meeting: together we illuminate the future. The first is ’illuminate’: the disease plunges people and families into the darkness of pain and anguish as a defeat to be hidden and eliminated. The sick are discarded, the suffering that hinders projects and causes fear is marginalized; instead, we need to put the sick person and their story back at the center, to find meaning in the pain and an answer to the many whys.As when everything seems lost we need someone who brings the light to rekindle hope, with friendship, closeness and listening.”
“The second word is ‘gift’ – underlined the Pontiff -: the people who bring light are the donors, every time you donate the culture of waste is weakened and consumerism is defeated by this virtuous logic. the third word is ’ square’: your association is in the squares, it does not remain closed in its own backyard but can be a tangible sign and a visible but never intrusive presence for patients. With your commitment you demonstrate the desire to be with the people to share the pain, a gift you give to society; a visible gift not for yourselves but for the people who need it. You are the building block of the hope of the most up-to-date treatment and therapies of life we will be examined on love. Go forward with dedication and competence. Thank you for the love you give.”
“It is with deep emotion and gratitude that we are welcomed today by the Holy father, bringing the voices and faces of hematology patients, but also that of millions of families who, with courage and hope, who live with a disease that, at times, can still seem insurmountable.- declared Ail president Giuseppe Toro – Pope Francis has repeatedly recalled that suffering is never just individual but involves everyone; it questions us and asks us to be witnesses of a love that becomes closeness 55 years old claims those who are fighting blood cancer tirelessly promote and contribute to the development of scientific research, so that new therapies and treatments can give those who suffer the hope of a better future.Every step we take in research, every person we can help, every The smile we see on a face that was about to lose hope is a sign that the light of solidarity never stops shining. Together we illuminate the future.”
“Pope francis has always taught us that ’proximity’ is the heart of our actions. His ability to break down barriers and get closer to those who suffer continues to move us and inspire us – the words of Don Marco Euganeo Brusutti, president of Ail Padova and coordinator of this very important event – As Ail we feel a strong call to live this closeness; every day our volunteers testify to the importance of being a community that leaves no one behind guides us in our commitment: a hope that is never isolated, but that arises from solidarity and concrete closeness. Life, the Pope reminds us, is ‘a time for meeting’. And we, as AIL, want to be that meeting point brings care, dignity and love to those in need, supporting every sick person, every family with our hearts. Our mission is to build a society that lives in hospitality, a community that, together, can make a difference in the lives of who suffers.”
At the end of the meeting with Pope Francis the participants created a choreographic representation in St. peter’s Square; by turning a red card upwards, they created a high-impact luminous effect that formed the ’55 Ail’ symbol. “The first cure we need in illness is closeness full of compassion and tenderness” concluded Pope Francis.
How does community support impact the treatment and recovery of blood cancer patients?
Interviewer: Good morning,everyone. I’m [Editor’s Name], the editor of Time.news, and today we are honored to have with us Dr.Emilia Rossi, an expert in hematology and a long-time advocate for patient care and research in blood cancers. welcome, Dr. Rossi!
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me, [Editor’s Name]. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Today, we witnessed a truly significant moment when Pope Francis met with representatives from the italian Association against Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma, celebrating their 55th anniversary. can you tell us about the impact of such recognition from a leading figure like the Pope on organizations like AIL?
Dr. Rossi: Absolutely. Having the Pope acknowledge AIL not only brings visibility to the organization but also to the critical issues surrounding blood cancer. It’s a profound moment that reinforces the importance of community,support,and hope. His emphasis on solidarity is crucial in battling diseases that can often leave patients and their families feeling isolated.
Interviewer: The gathering included over 3,000 volunteers, patients, families, and healthcare professionals. How essential is community support in the journey of patients fighting blood cancers?
dr. Rossi: Community support is vital. As the Pope highlighted, the sense of togetherness illuminates the path forward. Patients facing blood cancers often endure emotional and physical challenges, and having a network—be it through organizations like AIL, family, or friends—provides them with the strength and comfort needed during difficult times. It also empowers them to advocate for their own health and engage in their care.
interviewer: The firefly was chosen as a symbol for this meeting, representing the idea of spreading light in darkness and sowing hope. How does this metaphor resonate with your experiences in working with blood cancer patients?
Dr. Rossi: The firefly metaphor is incredibly poignant. I often see patients who feel engulfed by darkness due to their diagnosis. Just like the firefly, the support from volunteers and healthcare workers can bring light, reminding patients that they are not alone in their journey. Every small act of compassion can spark hope and illuminate possibilities for treatment and recovery.
Interviewer: Pope Francis mentioned three words starting with “illuminate” during his address. In your view,how can we further illuminate the future for patients with blood cancers?
Dr. Rossi: To fully illuminate the future, we need to focus on three key areas: research, education, and patient-centered care. Investing in innovative treatments can lead to better outcomes. Education is crucial, not just for healthcare professionals but also for patients and their families, empowering them to understand their treatment options.fostering an surroundings where patient voices are heard and prioritized will help create a holistic approach to care that addresses both medical and emotional needs.
Interviewer: The meeting also highlighted AIL’s efforts in providing logistical support, research funding, and home care services. what are some of the most pressing needs you see in blood cancer care today?
Dr. Rossi: There are several pressing needs. Firstly, access to care is paramount; disparities in healthcare can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Secondly, ongoing funding for research is essential to discover new therapies and improve existing ones. lastly, the psychosocial aspect cannot be overlooked; integrating mental health support into treatment protocols can significantly affect overall well-being.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your insights on such an inspiring event. Pope Francis’s message of solidarity and hope is indeed a call to action for all of us.
Dr. Rossi: thank you for having me, [Editor’s name]. Let’s continue to shine a light on the needs of blood cancer patients and work collectively towards a brighter future.
Interviewer: Absolutely! And to our audience, thank you for joining us today. Let’s keep the conversation going and support those fighting against blood cancers. Untill next time!