The oval ball boy

17 years can be a lifetime, and for Nicola Perin it happens that time is not contained in a chronological sequence but follows another path. "Whoever feels he has already arrived, already perfect and no longer leaves his heart open to new things, will live a neutral existence, without colors, flat, without enthusiasm". Nicola is a boy from Rovigo. Parents and grandparents immediately gave him affection and examples of lived faith, no surprise therefore in seeing him grow up serene, open to friendships and solidarity, especially towards the little ones. He puts the same determination in study and in sport, especially in rugby, where he plays as a scrum half in Monti Junior Rovigo. What makes the difference in his story, however, is the engine that drives him: attachment to Jesus.

This special bond sustains him when he is diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 15. He cries, but then confides to a friend: «Another tough battle awaits me. Another fight. Another game to win. Life is also this, but whoever overcomes these moments will become a strong, courageous person, who knows what it means to suffer for a just cause. I do not give up!". In the hospital he fascinates with his constant thinking of others: "Guys, do not hold back from loving and do not be afraid to spend yourselves on others," he writes. Two more years, two bone marrow transplants, exams taken via Skype, visits to the pediatric ward where she brings a smile, then Christmas Eve 2015 arrives. Her time has changed, it has become eternity. His mother says: «In her name there is now the beautiful Teen Zone of pediatric oncohematology of the Padua hospital, born thanks to an idea by Nicola. Moreover, now many people ask me to pray to Nicola for their needs».

NP may 2021
Annamaria Gobbato