I have been an advocate and activist for organ donation since 2009, when a very important person in my life received a life-saving transplant. That experience transformed my perspective and sparked a commitment that has shaped both my personal and professional life.
In the years that followed, I became involved first as a volunteer and activist—serving as a photographer and participating in events that celebrate and support the transplant community. More recently, my engagement has evolved into scientific research: since 2019, I have been a research affiliate at the Italian National Transplant Centre, and I now lead independent research projects, including the field research and data collection conducted in Lisbon in 2024.
As a photographer and proud team supporter of the Italian National Team, I attended the World Transplant Games 2013 in Durban (South Africa), the European Transplant Sport Championship 2018 in Cagliari (Italy), and the World Transplant Games 2019 in Newcastle (UK). At the 2024 European Transplant Games in Lisbon, Portugal, we conducted fieldwork with an amazing team: a photographer and two fellow economists, Flavia Cavallini and Giuliana Ghia. You can find some pictures below.
Like the Olympics, Transplant Games bring together individuals from around the world to compete in several sport disciplines. But in addition to the bonding, exciting experience common to all international sport competitions, these events possess a unique added value: every participant becomes a witness that life after transplant can be a new, fully healthy life, powered by and filled with gratitude.
The grit of transplanted athletes and their stories of passion and resilience are an immense inspiration to do our part in fostering the culture of organ donation. I contribute with two things I love: rigorous research and photography.
For more info on Transplant Games:
With Liz Schick, Swiss athlete and President of the World Transplant Games federation, in 2019.
(Photo credit: Daniele Dorizzi)
Pictures from the fieldwork material at the European Transplant Games in Lisbon, 2024.