New Home for ElpisPoint: A Laugh in the Face of Cancer
Ah, here we go again! A shiny new hope for cancer patients and their cheery families, all thanks to ElpisPoint. This psycho-social rehabilitation center – which sounds like a fancy name for a “we’ll help you feel better” place – is getting a big upgrade. It’s like moving from a one-bedroom flat to a penthouse, minus the swanky views of the city and the chance to sip cocktails on the roof deck. But hey, they might get a lovely view of the Meoste area instead!
The Welfare councilor, Nicola Paulesu, must’ve sent a heartwarming email saying, “Let’s make these folks’ lives a little brighter,” and voilà – a property from the municipality in Bagno a Ripoli has been granted! Talk about a prime real estate deal. You know things are serious when government officials start playing real estate agents. “Support for the patient must be a 360-degree care,” Paulesu states. And honestly, if I heard ‘360-degree care,’ I’d expect them to come with a yoga mat and a smoothie maker!
Mayor Francesco Pignotti is not to be outdone. With all the charm of a cat with a laser pointer, he highlights that Calcit is a “precious companion.” I don’t know if I’d want a companion who doubles as the Wi-Fi password, but I can see where he’s going with this. The ElpisPoint center isn’t just about improving lives; it’s about fostering a community – the kind where you can share stories, brew a cup of tea, or just commiserate over the existential dread of living with cancer. Because what’s better than battling a serious illness? Sharing it with your neighbors over coffee!
Speaking of sharing, that’s exactly what social councilor Sandra Baragli seems to be gunning for. She mentions potential synergies with nearby senior centers. Oh, great! It’s like a meetup group but with a heavy dose of existential crises. “Good luck to Calcit and president Tempestini,” she says, and let’s just hope they aren’t looking for luck like I look for my car keys – lost most days and under an overflowing pile of clutter!
Then there’s Carlo Tempestini, the Calcit president. He’s thanking everyone for this great opportunity like it’s an unexpected coffee break at work. Meanwhile, those volunteers from ElpisPoint are probably thinking, “More space? Does this mean we get to put up a ping pong table?” No? Just me then. But seriously, it’s a step towards reaching an even greater number of patients and families. A bit emotional, isn’t it? It’s like the “This is Us” of cancer support services.
In case you missed it, the “Autonomous Committee for the Fight Against Tumors” (Calcit) has been a knight in shining armor since 2021, championing cancer patients in Florence. Their motto could be “We may not cure cancer, but we’ll sure make your fight a little less lonely.” And with their new digs at Via Giusiani 31, they’re going to expand, and I mean really expand, their offerings. Think resource talks, art therapy, or maybe even those “How to catch your breath when life gets tough” seminars. Now that would be a lively meet-up!
Bonus: HIV Testing Week
Now, switch gears folks! Moving from cancer to HIV. The article wraps up with mention of a week of anonymous and free checks for HIV. When did we become so brave about health checks? Give yourself a round of applause! This is all about normalizing something that was once taboo, which is about as fun as a two-for-one sale on anti-fungal cream – it’s unexpected but desperately needed!
In summary, this article brings together the best of community spirit, health awareness, and good ol’ human resilience. If you thought humor couldn’t act as medicine, you clearly haven’t heard a joke from a cancer survivor. Remember, it’s not just about avoiding disease but living well in the face of it.
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The ElpisPoint, a pioneering psycho-social rehabilitation center and vital information resource for cancer patients and their families, has found a new home. Established in 2021 within the premises of the Calcit Palazzo Vecchio association, the center has recently won the approval of Welfare Councilor Nicola Paulesu, following a resolution sanctioned by the Council. This decision awards Calcit, the visionary organization behind the initiative, a property owned by the municipality located in Bagno a Ripoli. The enhanced space is designed to facilitate an expansion of the center’s offerings, fostering collaborative efforts with various local associations.
“Calcit plays an indispensable role in the psycho-social rehabilitation of cancer patients, delivering essential services that enrich the healthcare landscape across the territory. Support for patients must evolve into a comprehensive model of care; psycho-rehabilitation should seamlessly integrate into the therapeutic plans of each patient to enhance and sustain their quality of life.” underscored Nicola Paulesu, the Welfare Councilor from the Municipality of Florence. “The ElpisPoint center performs critical work in this area. By providing these new spaces, we aim to affirm and amplify their significant dedication.”
“Calcit has proven to be an invaluable partner for institutions caring for individuals battling cancer. Healing encompasses more than medical treatment; well-being is equally pivotal. We express our gratitude to the Municipality of Florence for this collaboration, as it enables ElpisPoint to establish a more accommodating environment where patients from across the metropolitan area can find refuge and community. Our administration is committed to standing by Calcit, which represents a cherished asset for our communities,” remarked Francesco Pignotti, the mayor of Bagno a Ripoli.
“The new headquarters of ElpisPoint is poised to benefit not just cancer patients but the broader community, especially enhancing the social fabric of the entire Meoste area. We anticipate potential synergies with nearby entities, including a senior center, to promote holistic community support. Best wishes to Calcit and its passionate president, Tempestini, who consistently invests heart and effort into their mission,” commented Sandra Baragli, the social councilor of Ripoli.
“For some time, Calcit has been on a quest for more fitting accommodations for ElpisPoint, which operates through the unwavering support of its Volunteers alongside the Psycho-oncology Service of Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital and in partnership with the Oncology Department led by Dr. Fioretto. The opportunity granted by the Municipality of Florence is expected to significantly expand our activities, which are already fruitful in collaboration with various volunteer associations. While we await the formalization of this agreement, I extend my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Calcit Chianti Fiorentino,” stated Carlo Tempestini, president of the association.
The “Autonomous Committee for the Fight Against Tumors” (Calcit) is an association dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their families throughout every stage of their journey, leveraging a team of oncology specialists and collaborating closely with the national health service. Since its inception in 2021, Calcit has effectively initiated the ElpisPoint project within its headquarters, serving as both a psycho-social rehabilitation center and an informational resource for individuals across the southeastern sector of the Florence metropolitan area. The recent endorsement from the Palazzo Vecchio council represents a significant milestone, allowing for the acquisition of larger, more appropriate spaces to better serve an ever-expanding clientele, now located at the municipality’s property on via Giusiani 31.
HIV, a week of anonymous and free checks
How will the new programs at ElpisPoint support the emotional well-being of patients?
**Interview with Carlo Tempestini, President of Calcit**
**Editor:** Thanks for joining us, Carlo! ElpisPoint has just made a significant move to its new location. Can you share what this means for cancer patients and their families?
**Carlo Tempestini:** Absolutely! The new location in Bagno a Ripoli is a game-changer for us. It allows us to expand our offerings and create a more welcoming environment for patients and their families. We want to ensure that no one feels alone in their fight against cancer, and this space will facilitate that.
**Editor:** It sounds like you have some exciting plans in the works. What additional services or activities can we expect at the new ElpisPoint?
**Carlo Tempestini:** We’re looking at a variety of new programs, including art therapy sessions, resource talks, and wellness workshops. The goal is to offer holistic support beyond medical treatment; we believe in nurturing the emotional and psychological well-being of our patients too.
**Editor:** I love that approach! The essence of community support is so important. Mayor Pignotti mentioned that Calcit acts as a “precious companion.” How do you see your organization fostering that sense of companionship?
**Carlo Tempestini:** That’s a fantastic way to describe our mission! We aim to build a community where individuals can come together, share their experiences, and support one another. Sometimes just having someone who understands what you’re going through can make all the difference.
**Editor:** Definitely! And I heard social councilor Sandra Baragli mentioned synergies with nearby senior centers. How do you envision these collaborations benefiting both cancer patients and the elderly?
**Carlo Tempestini:** By collaborating with senior centers, we can create intergenerational support networks. This exchange of stories and experiences can be incredibly uplifting for everyone involved. Plus, it helps reduce social isolation, which is vital for both groups.
**Editor:** Speaking of community, what would you say to someone who might be hesitant to reach out for support from ElpisPoint?
**Carlo Tempestini:** I would say, don’t hesitate! We’re here to help, and reaching out is the first step toward feeling less alone. Our doors are open, and we believe that whether you’re seeking information or just someone to talk to, we can provide that safe space.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Carlo! It sounds like ElpisPoint is going to be a beacon of hope for many. Any final words or messages you want to share?
**Carlo Tempestini:** Just a big thank you to the community and our partners for their ongoing support. Together, we can make this journey a little easier for all those fighting cancer. Remember, laughter is a key part of healing, so let’s keep smiling through it all!
