by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Elisa Lodi, Trieste Councilor for Real Estate Policy, Municipality of Trieste; Franca Sirotich Casalaz, President, Agmen (Associazione Genitori di Malati Emopatici e Neoplastici)
A new meeting point for families of children with hematologic and oncologic conditions was inaugurated on Tuesday in Melara, providing a dedicated space for support, guidance, and community resources. The center is run by Agmen (Associazione Genitori di Malati Emopatici e Neoplastici), an organization of parents whose children have faced serious illnesses.
Elisa Lodi, Trieste’s city councillor for real estate policy, attended the opening ceremony at Via Pasteur 15, highlighting the collaborative effort between the municipal government and Ater, the local housing authority. “It is a pleasure and an honor to represent the city on this occasion,” Ms. Lodi said. “This center addresses a real need. I thank Agmen and all the institutions that support it for their daily work in providing essential services to families facing difficult challenges.”
Franca Sirotich Casalaz, president of Agmen, described the significance of the new facility. “Our association has been active in Trieste for 41 years, formed by parents who have faced their children’s illnesses,” she said. “We aim to give hope and practical support to other families, including financial assistance when needed. Every child needs their parents by their side during illness, which requires emotional, psychological, and financial investment. Opening this space is a joy for us and for the families we serve.”
The site, located within the Melara district, was made available through a collaboration between the city and Ater following a request by Agmen FVG. The association, registered in the regional Third Sector registry, received the property under a law allowing the free concession of public housing facilities to volunteer and nonprofit organizations for non-commercial use.
Agmen provides comprehensive support for children and adolescents with blood and cancer disorders, assisting families throughout the treatment process. Its work includes financial aid, psychological support, and promoting research in pediatric oncology through scholarships, grants, and scientific events. The organization also supports the participation of medical staff in national and international conferences and undertakes fundraising initiatives to sustain its programs.
Attendees at the ceremony included Daniele Mosetti, president of Ater Trieste; Marco Rabusin, director of the Oncohematology Department at IRCCS Burlo Garofolo; and representatives from INPS, Italy’s social security agency.
The new center reflects a broader effort in Trieste to provide dedicated spaces and services for families facing serious pediatric illnesses, reinforcing the city’s commitment to community care and collaboration with nonprofit organizations.
