"Great against Cancer Family Homes" for Children

As part of Soleterre ETS’s Great Against Cancer program, the “Oncological Poverty & Caregiver Fatigue in Taranto” initiative brings crucial relief to families grappling with cancer’s many burdens. In Taranto, where industrial pollution has driven cancer rates sky-high and strained household budgets, this intervention, backed by an important Italian philanthropic foundation, fights the hidden crises of caregiver burnout, patient disability, and financial hardship.

Over the first half of 2025, we have:

• Offered emotional support: Regular listening desks and psychological counseling sessions have welcomed caregivers in safe, confidential spaces. In addition to group meetings, individual support consultations have helped family members share experiences, learn stress-management techniques, and rediscover hope.

• Restored mobility and independence: Psycho-motor rehabilitation workshops at the “La Casa di Sofia” center have enabled oncology patients to regain basic motor skills, easing pain and reducing dependence in daily life.

• Empowered through knowledge: Socio-economic training workshops have equipped caregivers, especially women, with the tools to manage household budgets and navigate social-benefit systems. Thanks to this guidance, many families have successfully accessed social bonuses and disability stipends, alleviating part of their financial burden.

A story that captures the heart of our work is that of Maria and her father, Luigi. Maria cares for 78-year-old Luigi, who battles prostate cancer with mobility challenges. Through home-based physiotherapy and dedicated psychological support, Maria learned gentle self-massage techniques for her father and found strategies to contain her own anxiety. “Now I can care for my dad without feeling overwhelmed,” she says, her confidence visibly renewed.

Our Italian philanthropic partner’s generous support has made these interventions possible, funding skilled psychologists and physiotherapists, securing welcoming venues, providing essential workshop materials, and covering administrative and logistical needs. Every euro invested translates directly into better care, stronger families, and greater resilience across Taranto.

Challenges & Adaptive Measures
A limited pool of suitable venues has sometimes meant shifting locations at short notice, and some caregivers have found it hard to attend sessions due to work or childcare constraints. In response, we have partnered with a local cultural center to secure a larger, better-equipped space and launched a community-based childcare service to ease participation. Monthly focus groups continue to gather feedback so we can adapt our activities to families’ real-world needs.

Looking ahead to our next update in December 2025, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our philanthropic partner and to all the professionals and volunteers whose dedication powers our Great Against Cancer program. Together, we’re restoring dignity, hope, and strength to the families of Taranto, one caregiver, one patient, one story at a time.