by InTrieste
Since 2005, the nonprofit organization ABC Bambini Chirurgici has served as a vital resource for families across Italy—and increasingly from abroad—who travel to Trieste for pediatric surgical care. This week, the association released its annual Social Impact Report, offering a comprehensive snapshot of its 2024 activities, a year marked by what the group describes as “extraordinary commitment” to children and their families.
The report details how ABC has strengthened its role as a support hub for patients receiving care at the IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, a renowned pediatric hospital in Trieste. In 2024, the organization provided 187 free accommodations in its “Case ABC” apartments, offering families a welcoming place to stay during often difficult and extended hospital visits. The average stay lasted 10 days, and the total estimated savings for hosted families amounted to roughly €188,750—a conservative estimate, given the city’s increasing cost of tourism.
Beyond financial relief, the availability of such housing and support services played a decisive role in healthcare choices: over 60% of families reported that ABC’s services significantly influenced their decision to seek treatment in Trieste. This finding underlines ABC’s contribution not only to the wellbeing of individual families but also to the broader appeal of the city’s healthcare infrastructure.
Though modest in scale, ABC’s work has a wide reach. The report points to additional forms of support, including material donations, psychological assistance, and logistical help, which collectively ease the burden on families navigating the challenges of pediatric surgery. In doing so, the association continues to act as both a safety net and a partner in care, reinforcing Trieste’s position as a national and international point of reference for specialized pediatric treatment.
