Barbara Mariani
The Art of Care
Not only cancer — a testimony of life
This is not only my story — it is the story of another woman and another man, of the whole world: because cancer has no borders and is not contagious, but fear is. Talking about it helps those living it, those who have lived it and those lucky enough never to.
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My story
Don't be late. Life is now, right now!
I am an enthusiastic woman: I love life, I have a thousand ideas and projects, I adore travelling, writing, reading and listening to music. I have always tried to follow my dreams, and I believe the strength of love prevails over so many other feelings.
Love for myself and for others gave me the strength to face, in 2000, 2005 and 2008, the experience of cancer, in different times and ways. And so I took my life into my own hands: I let the doctors care for my body, while I took space and time to care for my soul.
I am involved in volunteering and I have met many people facing illness. I am convinced that unity makes the difference and that sharing experiences is vital, because illness has no borders. I live in the present without losing my enthusiasm: because yes, one may fall ill… but one can decide how to live.
I don't pre-occupy myself — I occupy myself with me.
Loving yourself is the first step of a long journey… Life!
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ALOHA Alito di Vita! Non solo cancro
Science, Art, Communication and Solidarity · Think, Say, Do
My book is therapeutic, and it is so for everyone: not only for those who are «ill», but for each of us, because it answers the deep need to rediscover the authenticity of the ideas of health, well-being and living.
It is a journey through a collective, deeply human fear: the fear of illness and death — perhaps yet another trick of the mind to protect us from a far greater one, the fear of living. To reclaim illness and go on living means finding one's place in the world again, in a new harmony made of awareness, responsibility and joy.
«Here and now is my life!»
Excerpts from the prologue by Elisa Cerruti, founder of LatteRhum&Miele and Reiki in Culla.
What they say about me
Barbara represents women — all women — and yet never loses her own identity. She lived through a terrible experience and knew how to speak of it, turning it into encouragement, sharing and example: an example of how one can discover that life is wonderfully precious.
Her story will travel far; it will touch conscience and imagination, and will offer a message we all so deeply need. Barbara lives, she shows us much of her life and teaches us without heaviness, but with crystalline reality.
— MariaGiovanna Luini, from the book
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Moments
Encounters, conferences, journeys and book presentations: the unique, wonderful moments of a shared path.
On video
Interviews, television features and presentations: my testimony on TV and in the media.
Projects I support
Through my book I support several projects, because every small drop can make a difference.
- LILT — Italian League for the Fight against Cancer Bologna branch
- Associazione Ciechi Sportivi Varesini Onlus Blind athletes of Varese
- Progetto Spirito Libero
Let's talk
Talking, talking, talking helps those who have lived it, those who are living it and those lucky enough never to. Write to me: together, not alone, we do the best things.