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An unconditional love
Marzia Caccioppoli, Antonio's mother, lived a heartbreaking experience that marked her life forever. The loss of her only son, at just ten years old due to a glioblastoma multiforme, transformed her pain into an active commitment to environmental justice. Her story begins in Naples, but it is in Casalnuovo that the family sought a more direct contact with nature, unaware of the drama that awaited them.
The diagnosis and the fight
In June 2012, Marzia noticed that Antonio's right leg was swinging abnormally. Although the child was not complaining of pain, his mother decided to consult a pediatrician. After a vacation in Puglia, the situation worsened and an MRI revealed the truth: cancer. The initial diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was quickly denied, and the family was faced with a devastating reality. "The prognosis is poor," the doctors at the Gaslini hospital in Genoa told her. From that moment on, Marzia and Antonio's lives changed radically.
A message of love
Antonio, despite his illness, continues to shine. He played the drums and spoke English, showing a vivacity that struck everyone. A few moments before leaving us, the child approaches his parents and with a simple but profound gesture, expresses his love: “You are the jewels of my heart”. This moment becomes a symbol of their connection, an indelible memory that Marzia carries with her. After his death, his mother feels lost, but decides not to give up.
A commitment to the future
Marzia does not let herself be overwhelmed by grief. With the help of Don Patriciello, she begins to work to raise public awareness on environmental and health issues. Thus the association is born 'We Parents of All', an initiative that aims to support other mothers and promote environmental education in schools. The European Court of Human Rights recognizes her fight, suggesting the adoption of a web platform to ensure the safety of the areas where people want to live. Marzia hopes that this initiative can prevent tragedies similar to the one she experienced.
A message of hope
The story of Marzia and Antonio is a powerful call for collective responsibility towards the environment. The mother, transforming her grief into activism, shows that even in the darkest moments it is possible to find a light of hope. Her fight is not only for the memory of Antonio, but for a better future for all children and families living in areas at risk. Her voice continues to resonate, carrying forward a message of love and justice that cannot be ignored.