Being able to say you had a good day, give a kiss to someone you love, play with a ball. Small gestures, but precious for those – adults or children – who live with a serious, chronic and incurable illness: moments of normality and serenity, made possible thanks to palliative care.
It is precisely these fragments of life, simple and at the same time extraordinary, at the center of the new information and awareness campaign promoted by VIDAS – organization that since 1982 has offered free social and health assistance to people with incurable illnesses – on the occasion of theNovember 11th, National Palliative Care Day.
Treatments which, in Italy, still remain a privilege for a few: in fact only people have access to them one in three people among those who, by law, would be entitled to it.
A reality due not only to lack of dedicated servicesbut also at a level of knowledge of the theme which, despite having grown over the years, still remains partial.
A recent survey conducted by Ipsos for VIDAS it in fact shows progress, but still limited: 54% of Italians declare that they know what palliative care is (it was 24% in 2011), however one in two people could not clearly describe its role and 18% continue to give them an incorrect meaning, considering them alternative or useless interventions.
The need for more information also concerns the healthcare world: while over 80% of doctors know the right to palliative care, 21% remain among pediatricians of free choice, a 17% among specialists hospitals and a 15% among general practitioners That he claims not to be aware of it.
“Palliative care. Treatment, not a palliative.”
This is the message that gives voice to the VIDAS initiative, overturning a still widespread prejudice: that which associates palliative care with something useless or marginal. In reality it is the exact opposite: these are essential care, which they offer relief from physical and psychological painemotional support and concrete closeness not only to patients, but also to their families.
The campaign commercialwith simple and authentic language, shows this reality in concrete terms: adults and children who every day, thanks to the palliative care of VIDAS, can continue to experience moments of normality and sharing.
Giving voice to this story is Heliumwho has been close to the organization for years, and with his sensitivity interprets the deepest meaning of the campaign: remembering that even in fragility there is space for life, dignity and love. The musician is also the protagonist of a video message dedicated to the same theme.
Every day VIDAS assists 300 people, adults and children, at home and in hospice for free. A daily commitment that pushed the organization to create this campaign. «Palliative care» he explains Giada Lonatipalliative care doctor and socio-health director of VIDAS «are the set of therapeutic, diagnostic and welfare interventions guaranteed by socio-health professionals and volunteers. The aim is to achieve the best possible quality of life for patients and their families. Not a surrender therefore, but rather an act of life. Because even in fragility, every moment can be full of meaning, love and presence.”
