I deeply appreciated the courage and humanity with which @ale_dibattista chose to publicly share his brain cancer diagnosis. Talking about such a difficult illness on television, without filters and without hiding, means putting aside one’s public image and showing oneself as one is: a person facing an important trial in their life. I also appreciated the choice to set aside, at least for this moment, his political ambitions to focus on treatment and his health. It is a choice I consider deeply human and dignified. Medicine also needs people like this: people who have the courage to show their faces, to talk about illness without taboos and to face treatment with dignity and without fear. Telling one’s story can help those living the same experience feel less alone. I have not always agreed with some of his political positions. But today that takes a back seat. Today I stand by his side and want to be one of his first supporters in this battle against the disease. I wish Alessandro all my heart strength, courage, and serenity in the journey ahead of him. Modern medicine also needs people like him, able to transform a personal affair into a message of humanity and courage. Thank you, Alessandro. (translated)







