Estella's words

Without the continuous help of people, Sermig would close in three days. This is something we have heard Ernesto say many times, and it is absolutely true. For this reason, we feel so grateful and want to introduce you to our volunteers, friends with whom we share not only a service but also a part of our lives. Today, we give the floor to Estella:

"I have been volunteering for many years. I have served in various associations, although I have known Sermig since my university days. I learned about the Arsenale dell'Armonia through a little girl and her mother (Venezuelan) who were being treated at the Regina Margherita hospital and were guests there. I started volunteering at the Hermitage immediately after Covid, and it was a great ‘discovery’. I found a place of peace and serenity, surrounded by nature, which welcomes volunteers and guests like a big family. The little time I devote to the Arsenale is greatly rewarded by the sisters and guests. Being with them and doing activities makes me feel good and at ease, and at the same time I hope to be useful to them.
As Ernesto Olivero says, “kindness is disarming”: in this place, families from different countries and religions live together peacefully and help each other. The children I look after all have cancer and come to Italy for treatment; their journey is very difficult. I have always managed to establish good friendships with them and their families, which continue even after they return home. Sometimes I find it ‘difficult’ to look after them, knowing that they will not recover and seeing them leave... it breaks my heart. I suffer with them and their families.
But it's not all sadness and helplessness; there are also many moments of joy due to recoveries, moments of lightheartedness and sharing. I hold them all in my heart.


The Sermig Fraternity in Pecetto, Maria Claudia Brunello
NP June-July 2025