Choose life

Maria Ester is 19 years old and is a very normal student enrolled in the faculty of natural sciences. Her school career, however, was marked by a very serious unexpected event: last year, in fifth grade, a rare disease l 'has forced to continue treatment. «Being able to take the high school diploma was a bit complicated because with the teachers we had to find moments in which I felt good and was able to study. The best moment was when I left the classroom without being able to comprehend that I managed to take the State Exam…».

Now Maria Ester, despite continuing to live with her illness, dreams of graduating and making her life a gift for others. «Each of us in life is called to face something, to do so I found my motivation in studying, everyone must find their own.
It's the only way that changes things and can save people. The only choice I've been able to make in my life is to carry on despite everything."

Maria Ester last year was appointed "Alfiere della Repubblica" by President Mattarella for the strength shown in reacting to the adversities of a rare disease, achieving maturity despite the many impediments and transmitting, with his passion, trust and hope among friends and classmates.
Her story reminds me of Tommaso, a classmate of mine, who experienced a terrible disease right in the fourth and fifth year of high school: a sneaky musculoskeletal tumor.
He fought and we teamed up with him, but – unlike Maria Ester – she didn't have time to take the final exam. Illness is a mystery: someone continues his journey on earth, someone in heaven; but these stories teach us that the important thing is to help and encourage each other to always choose life, despite everything.


Roberto Lerda
NP December 2022