Marta

Marta Camerlo is a 15 year old girl, but her age brings with it the intensity of storms she has experienced and pains she has overcome. At just 12 years old she was diagnosed with abdominal cancer and began operations and cycles of chemotherapy, which allowed her to overcome the disease
However, Marta was never alone; a network of people was created around her ready to support her, her mother Isabella and her father Andrea, her sisters Rachele and Agnese and her brother Francesco, her friends and the animators of the Sermig of Turin, the oratory of his town, the professors and his classmates. A village that allowed her not to lose faith. One of her animators from Sermig writes: «Initially we got to know Marta through the videos and letters that she sent to the young people of the group of which her sister Rachele was already part, but, as soon as her illness allowed her, Marta took an active part in the proposed activities.

Marta has never held back in the face of the challenge of the disease and continues to get involved for others: she lives the reality of the Rivarolo Canavese oratory and volunteers at Sermig helping children in after-school activities and sorting clothes and basic necessities.

A few weeks ago you were nominated Standard Bearer of the Republic by Mattarella for the tenacity with which you faced your illness. Your volunteer activity is testimony to how suffering can be transformed into acceptance and commitment to life. With her family he decided to share the nomination with all the friends and people who loved her. Marta herself, as a message, wanted to leave a phrase she was reflecting on when the news of the honor reached her: «We are not free to choose what happens to us, but we are free to choose how to react to what happens to us!» . An example to transform pain into new life.


Roberto Lerda
NP May 2024