Speranza e Coraggio (Hope and Courage): A Light On in Trieste

On February 23, 2025, in Sala Lelio Luttazzi, Magazzino 26, Trieste hosted a day dedicated to raising awareness and supporting patients with brain tumors and their families. The event, organized by Glioblastoma.IT ODV and sponsored by the Municipality of Trieste and the Italian Society of Psycho-Oncology (SIPO), is part of the “Una Luce Sempre Accesa” series and was conducted with uncommon professionalism and sensitivity by journalist Simona Regina.

The event was well attended and featured the participation of important institutional representatives, including Massimo Tognolli, Councilor for Social Policies and Welfare of the Municipality of Trieste, who sponsored the initiative together with SIPO (Italian Society of Psycho-Oncology) and Dr. Riccardo Riccardi, Councilor for Health of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. Both expressed their support, with the regional government co-financing the “Speranza e Coraggio” project, making it possible. A video message from Kathy Oliver, President of the International Brain Tumor Alliance, highlighted the fundamental role of psychological support in addressing the challenges posed by brain tumors. The IBTA, a global network for patient organizations, aims to improve the well-being and quality of life of patients and families around the world.

After the institutional greetings, the event continued with the presentations of various associations and volunteer organizations that deal with brain tumors in the region.

Roberto Pugliese illustrated the mission of the Glioblastoma.IT ODV association, aimed at informing and supporting patients, caregivers and specialists, using the funds raised to finance projects and direct services.

Valentino Listuzzi, from the Amici di Federico Association, represented the association, sharing the experiences and stories of those who are committed to fighting cancer on a daily basis.

Franca Sirotich Casalaz, from AGMEN/FVG, presented the work of the Association of Parents with Neoplastic Hemopathic Patients of Friuli Venezia Giulia, committed to assisting children and their families affected by neoplastic diseases.

Finally, Rita Di Rienzo from the “La Casa di Joy” association highlighted the support offered to children with cancer, including granting wishes, fighting isolation and providing financial assistance to families, thanks also to rehabilitation services, creative workshops and themed parties.

Roberto Pugliese then presented in detail the project “Speranza e Coraggio”, supported by the scientific coordinators Dr. Fabio Campanella and Dr. Daniela Tasinato (representing SIPO). The initiative was created to fill the gap in continuous and accessible psychological support for patients with glioblastoma and high-grade brain tumors and their families, by recruiting volunteer psychologists, providing support sessions and implementing a technological infrastructure.

The technical-scientific segment, moderated by Prof. Miran Skrap, addressed various aspects of therapy, from neurosurgery to radiotherapy, from neuro-oncology to clinical and pre-clinical research, and presented the Glioma Friuli Venezia Giulia Project.

• Dr. Marco Vindigni, Director of the SOC of Neurosurgery, discussed glioblastoma and the project, focused on translational research and preclinical development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
• Dr. Francesca Marotta explored the role of neurosurgery in the treatment of glioblastoma.
• Dr. Maurizio Mascarin illustrated in detail the innovative approaches of radiotherapy such as Proton Therapy.
• Prof. Daniela Cesselli discussed the contribution of clinical and pre-clinical research in pursuing a personalized therapy, underlining the importance of an integrated approach in the face of the heterogeneity of the molecular profiles of gliomas.

The event also included moments of lightheartedness, with the comic duo “I Papu” providing moments of entertainment. Personal experiences and stories of hope were shared by patients, families, psycho-oncologists, researchers and specialists of the Glioma FVG Project. The meeting ended with final greetings, thanks and a networking aperitif at Magazzino 27 in Sala Ernesto Illy.

Below is a gallery of images of some significant moments of the event. A heartfelt thank you to all the participants.