The closure was entrusted to an initiative within the Council Chamber of the Municipality of Andria in the presence, among others, of the national President of FAVO, which brings together over 350 oncology volunteer associations throughout Italy, Prof. Francesco De Lorenzo.
«I think we can say that oncology volunteering has been able to guarantee a change in the quality of life of cancer patients – explained Prof. De Lorenzo in his speech – And Calcit, which is an association that is now recognized as an association that also has prestige and a role at a national level, it helps a lot in this too. The president, Dr. Mariano, is the coordinator of FAVO at the regional level. My presence here testifies precisely the gratitude of the national oncology volunteering for the initiatives it carries out not only in Andria but also in the Region, being an example and excellence of oncology volunteering in the country”.
Prof. De Lorenzo himself recalled the battles carried out so far by FAVO also in Puglia to help cancer patients with emerging new needs and the respect of new rights also at a legislative level such as, for example, the right to oblivion or the protection of the workplace in case of chemotherapy treatment. The relationship with the institutions is also important as is happening with the “Giovanni Paolo II” Cancer Institute of Bari represented on the occasion by the General Director Alessandro Delle Donne who spoke about the important helping role of oncology volunteers. And then the presence of the scientific committee of CALCIT thanks to the oncologist referent Dr. Gennaro Gadaleta who is also the head of the oncology unit of the “Dimiccoli” in Barletta with which CALCIT has been collaborating for some time now. And then Francesco Ventola’s first official exit as MEP, the various partners and the many presences of old and new members who told what it is like to experience CALCIT for 40 years now in Andria, from those school desks of the “Vittorio Emanuele III” up to economic aid and assistance in hospital facilities. Essential, however, is the constant relationship with city institutions such as the municipal body which wanted to celebrate this combination by also dedicating the inaugural concert of the rediscovered Orchestra Città di Andria to the 40th anniversary of CALCIT.
«We are happy as an administration to be alongside this type of path – explained the Mayor of Andria Giovanna Bruno – which must above all be aimed at raising awareness. In a society where we speak only in slogans and where only commercials go on, we instead want to stop and within a beautiful 40th birthday celebration, say what CALCIT was, what it is, what it wants continue to be and what are the prospects also for interaction with many other realities at a national level which must then bring benefit to the final recipient who is the cancer patient”.
