NEWS

Stories of men—fathers, husbands, partners, sons, brothers, friends, and colleagues—who support and accompany women fighting against multiple sclerosis were the focus of the awards evening for the second edition of #afiancodelcoraggio, the literary award created by Roche. This initiative collects stories of those living with this nervous system disease, which affects approximately 114,000 people in Italy.
The event took place yesterday at Palazzo Venezia in Rome, where the independent technical jury, chaired by Gianni Letta, awarded Marco Lupia the prize for the best story on the theme, which he dedicated to his partner Francesca. The winning story will be adapted into a social awareness spot by Lotus Production and screened in Italian cinemas in October.

For the first time in this edition, the submissions were judged by a popular jury through a “like” system on the initiative’s website, garnering over 5,000 votes. Among the 10 most-liked stories, the technical jury selected three finalists, each presented and supported during the event by a renowned ambassador: Cristiana Capotondi, Vincenzo Salemme, and Massimo Ghini.

“This second edition has a very noble goal: to challenge the stereotype of men fleeing in the face of illness, especially when it affects their partner,” said Maurizio de Cicco, President and CEO of Roche Italia, to AdnKronos Salute. “Last year, we focused on female cancers, collecting incredible stories of companions and sons who supported their loved ones through pain, some of which even ended in marriages. This year, we address multiple sclerosis, a condition that primarily affects women at a ratio of 3:1 compared to men. The role of men is crucial here. One of the most positive aspects of this project is the involvement of over 15 voluntary partners, each contributing their expertise. This initiative is a success story, as evidenced by the medal awarded to it by the President of the Republic, encouraging us as we consider a third edition.”

The independent jury also gave two special mentions: one to journalist Alessandro Panini Finotti for his book Mie belle lune perdute, ovvero cronaca di un dolore, and another to Arturo, a young boy who shared his perspective on his mother’s battle with multiple sclerosis. When Arturo took the stage to read his story, his tenderness moved the entire audience.
“The reality of multiple sclerosis is changing, along with the quality of life for people with this condition,” noted Angela Martino, President of AISM (Italian Multiple Sclerosis Association). “It is crucial to raise awareness and provide accurate information to dispel myths and help people recognize the subtle and disabling symptoms that often disrupt daily life.”

“Living with multiple sclerosis today means knowing that, with available therapies, this disease can be managed, and the levels of disability once experienced can now be avoided,” added Mario Alberto Battaglia, President of FISM (Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation). “For young people diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 who live with this condition for decades, this is an important message. Treatment and support must be accessible. Today, Italy provides these opportunities. Raising awareness about multiple sclerosis is vital for the public, as one in two Italians knows someone affected by this condition.”

“Caregivers are often women, but this award highlights the need to tell the story of couples,” remarked Beatrice Lorenzin, Minister of Health. “No one can face this alone. We must share stories of love and teach love. A beautiful aspect of this award is its potential to educate children about mutual care and the reality of illness. Teaching children about illness early on can help them grow into more compassionate partners as adults. This award is cathartic for all of us.”

“Our role was not easy,” commented Gianni Letta, President of the Jury. “We encountered the moving and painful experiences of the candidates while assessing their stories against the parameters established by the competition to select the one most suited for adaptation into a video. I believe this award significantly contributes to fostering dialogue between men and women in the context of illness. Its meaning is embodied in its name: #afiancodelcoraggio.”

This initiative was supported by Roche, AISM, Circuito Cinema, Ferrero Cinemas, Fondazione Pubblicità Progresso, Friendz, Lotus Productions, Medusa Film, Mediaset, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Tourism (Lazio Museum Hub), UCI Cinemas, Vidiemme, and DottNet.

The independent jury included representatives from various sectors:
Associations: Roberta Amadeo (Past President, AISM).
Cinema and Film Circuits: Marco Belardi (CEO, Lotus Production); Marco Costa (Director of Thematic Networks, Mediaset); Carlo Rossella (President, Medusa Film).
Entertainment: Federica Pontremoli (Screenwriter); Enrico Vanzina (Director).
Radio: Claudio Guerrini (RDS).
Journalism and Television: Myrta Merlino (Journalist); Giovanni Parapini (Director of Communication, External, Institutional, and International Relations, RAI).
Institutions: Mariapia Garavaglia (President, Roche Foundation).