by InTrieste
Trieste united with 40 other Italian cities on September 23 to host the Pigiama Run, a charity event that raised funds for pediatric oncology wards across the country. The proceeds from Trieste’s event—€23,374—will be used to upgrade a vital recovery room for children undergoing bone marrow transplants at the renowned Burlo Garofolo Maternal and Child Health Institute.
The initiative’s success was celebrated at a press conference on December 17, attended by local officials and medical leaders. “The Municipality of Trieste immediately embraced the Pigiama Run with enthusiasm,” said Elisa Lodi, the city’s Councillor for Sports Policies. “This event demonstrated how sports can unite communities while supporting children with cancer. It was an extraordinary evening where athletes, families, and citizens came together to show their solidarity.”
Trieste’s event drew 1,596 participants, making it the third most attended city in Italy, after Milan and Rome. Additional contributions came from a water polo tournament organized by Pallanuoto Trieste and individual donations, pushing the total amount raised to over €23,000.
The funds will modernize a recovery room at Burlo Garofolo’s Oncohematology Department, which specializes in treating children with cancer and blood disorders. Plans include the purchase of advanced medical equipment, such as electric beds with integrated weighing systems, and a temperature-controlled fridge for experimental drug storage.
“This result exceeded our expectations,” said Sandra Dudine, president of the Italian League Against Cancer (LILT) in Trieste. “The response from our city was remarkable. It’s heartwarming to see such overwhelming support for our youngest and most vulnerable patients.”
The upgraded room will play a critical role in the care of immunocompromised children, who require strict isolation to protect them from infections during their treatment. “These rooms are equipped with ultra-filtered ventilation systems and positive pressure to maintain a low microbial load,” explained Dr. Marco Rabusin, head of the Oncohematology Department. “Only one parent is allowed to stay with the child, and visits are strictly prohibited to ensure safety.”
The Pigiama Run, organized nationally by LILT, saw over 25,000 participants across Italy and raised more than €360,000 to support pediatric cancer care. In Trieste, the event was a community celebration, with athletes and amateurs alike donning pajamas to symbolize solidarity with children confined to hospital beds.
The funds raised locally will also help furnish new rooms in the hospital’s expanded transplant center, further solidifying Burlo Garofolo’s reputation as a center of excellence in pediatric care.
As the city of Trieste reflects on the event’s success, Councillor Lodi expressed hope for the future. “This initiative has shown how sports and solidarity can create meaningful change,” she said. “We look forward to continuing this tradition of giving back.”
The Pigiama Run may have lasted only one night, but its impact will resonate for years, bringing comfort and cutting-edge care to children in need.
