(by Francesca Proietti Cosimi) Pif did it taking the field with the disabled in Palermo and, contacted by one of them, Marina Paterna did not hold back. He declares that among the invalids of the city of Palermo there are examples of great human dignity. One of them is Giovanni Vaccarella, son of Ninni Vaccarella, champion and driver of the historic Targa Florio and adds: he and many others deserve our support.
It was Giovanni who wrote to me about the discomfort he is experiencing and all this to ask me to bring media attention to an event that directly involves him in relation to the cuts in the pensions of the disabled by the region. Initially 1500 euros were allocated to the disabled, then they became 1200, and from August even zero. Zero as many of them have not received benefits for months. To some, however, they were first given and then suddenly withdrawn or reduced. There is the case of two disabled brothers who are now orphans. I wonder, how do they go on? Why are they deprived of all rights linked to the minimum human dignity? Precisely to those who have heavy expenses for their assistance? How can you remain indifferent?
He risks remaining without nursing support at home for a series of days and being alone. Due to lack of assistance. It is inadmissible. I wonder there is no service that deals with the disabled when those who take care of it every day rightly need to dedicate themselves to their lives? I ask for help and solidarity to all the people of Palermo. I'm one of you, he's one of us.
Can you tell us the story of Giovanni?
Giovanni grows in the myth and with the passion of his father and one day, during some free trials on the race circuit, in a corner he is the victim of a very serious accident. Giovanni, right where his father won the Targa Florio several times, loses the use of the lower limbs and part of the upper limbs.
I received a request for support from Giovanni almost a month ago. But I did not know where to start. I was paralyzed in front of so much humanity asking for help. It happens when you want, you would like to do something giant, of immense but you are far away and the only thing you can do is to be a spokesperson.
Tell us, only if you feel it, what are the words that he used to ask for a support.
I prefer to read them to not change even a comma. He does not deserve it. He has so much dignity in his heart and so much sensitivity, and the only thing I wish I could do now is embrace him.
It's not easy for me but imagine, even for just a second, for him what it's like to ask to hold out a hand.
How much humility does it take? How much strength? How much courage?
Read us your words.
“It is truly a terrible time for me… I never, ever imagined, despite 25 years having passed since my accident, how much I have to depend on others to be able to get up in the morning and in the evening and then go back to bed again. Things that seem trivial for those who stand but who is a quadriplegic, like me, needs constant care every day. It has become very difficult to find people… then it brings some physical problems and necessary checks that I have to do for my health. I really try to live after all I've had, I will always continue to love Motorsport transmitted by my father but here it takes a liver of steel and more and I feel giving up ... "
They are strong words. It is a request for help from those who feel that they are losing their strength. He said he received this message almost a month ago. How did it feel?
How I feel now, helpless. I feel discouraged by the evidence of not being physically next to him. I think you deserve this man so much. I met him, I talked with him, I visited his house and the only thing I could do was give him a hug and listen, but I also needed to feed him and his story to understand his deep uncomfortable. John has so much to give and teach us all. I remember I was there to ask him a thousand questions, sitting next to him, then, like an intrigued child, at the foot of his pram. I felt lucky to be able to decide how to sit and terribly guilty because he could not do it. And right there on the ground while I was looking at it from the bottom up I felt in the right place.
While I asked him a thousand questions near the cups won by his father, I wondered how he could feel in seeing so much splendor gleaming in reflection under his eyes.
See and look at people, always from the bottom of his wheelchair, upwards. How does it feel, however, to look at everyone at your sitting height? Helpless. But John fights, he does it every day and does not want compassion. He just asks for help.
I believe that it takes great humility not to look at anyone from top to bottom every day. I think it takes great dignity to be able to ask for help as John manages to do.
Does it generally work on social networks? Is it possible or simple to reach it?
Yes, it's very active on social media. Giovanni asks for help but not only, also shares a moment of joy, externalizing on his Facebook page all his thoughts as we were all friends, even strangers. I appreciate it so much. He tells his discomfort without shame, teaching us what the real problems are.
What does Marina Paterna ask today, to her fellow citizens?
I appeal to all health workers, to all nurses who can be free. Please, knock, lend even an hour each to a man who in the days to follow for a few days is likely to remain alone without assistance at home. Please help me to spread the word.
If Ninni Vaccarella, the Flying Headmaster, was the pilot we all hated, it's time to prove it. Please, join me and spread the word.
I leave you with his last words: “Losing the use of my legs was an immense pain. I will always continue to love Motorsport transmitted by my father but here we need a liver of steel and more and I feel like giving up ... "
Would you like to add and tell him something else?
Yes. John, I ask you to forgive me if I'm too far away, but one thing you have to remember: Near or far I'm with you. Always!