This evening Paolo’s story arrives at the Sanremo Festivala young man originally from Albenga, victim of a violent attack in May 2024 which caused a very serious cerebral hemorrhage and a long period of coma. The initial conditions appeared dramatic: tetraplegia, inability to speak and move, communication entrusted exclusively to the gaze. After a few months of intensive therapy, on 22 August 2024 Paolo was welcomed to the Don Gnocchi Center in La Spezia to start his rehabilitation process. A complex and highly specialized path which, thanks to the work of the multidisciplinary team and the extraordinary determination of the boy, has already led to important and unexpected results: today Paolo breathes independently, speaks, eats alone and has started moving again. The use of robotic rehabilitation for the upper limb and specific leg-foot braces also allow him to make continuous progress and thanks also to a special walker, the ‘grillo’, he is currently able to walk for short distances. His story will be told to the Ariston audience and to viewers through a live link from the Don Carlo Gnocchi Center in La Spezia, led by Dr. Martina Iardella with the health management of Dr. Pietro Balbi.
“Paolo’s path tells a good story of what it means to do rehabilitation every day: clinical competence, teamwork and a great alliance with the person and their family”, comments Dr. Balbi -. The results achieved were by no means to be taken for granted. Seeing him bring his message of peace and hope to such a wide audience will be a source of pride for all of us and, at the same time, a great responsibility.”
“On behalf of the Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation I would like to express profound gratitude for this occasion of great human and civil value – the words of Dr. Iardella -. We renew our daily commitment to the care, rehabilitation and accompaniment of the most fragile people and their families, so that even from the deepest wounds a future of dignity, awareness and hope can be born”
Paolo’s story has profoundly affected public opinion, giving rise to a strong mobilization of solidarity: fundraisers, benefit events and the birth of the “United for Paolo” foundation, committed to raising awareness against youth violence and supporting his return home.
Despite the gravity of what he experienced, Paul chose the path of forgiveness and dialogue. He has repeatedly expressed the desire to transform his experience into a message of prevention, peace and hope, especially aimed at young people; hence the request to be present at the Festival.
