Home Storie da raccontare In the wake of autonomy: Monica Cisi tells Vanni Oddera why she decided never to give up

In the wake of autonomy: Monica Cisi tells Vanni Oddera why she decided never to give up

A day at the seaside becomes the opportunity to tell a story of determination. In the Storie da raccontare project, Vanni Oddera meets Monica Cisi, a content creator who, after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma, lost the use of her legs but chose to face life with energy and positivity. During the journey to Noli and Baia dei Saraceni, Monica shares her path toward a new autonomy and the role of sport in regaining confidence, living with Vanni an experience of wind and waves that celebrates courage and the desire never to give up.

Accessible video transcript

[00:00–00:10]

[We are in Noli, in Liguria. Monica Cisi and Vanni Oddera are in a FIAT 600, driving along a scenic road overlooking the sea on a sunny summer day.]

[00:11]

Vanni: Monica, tell me about yourself in one sentence.

[00:13]

Monica: I’m determined and cheerful.

[00:16]

Vanni: What caused your disability?

[00:18]

Monica: In 2009, I was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a tumor, which led to me losing the ability to walk.

[00:27]

Vanni: How would you describe your journey toward independence?

[00:30]

Monica: It wasn’t easy, but little by little I managed to achieve a level of independence that allowed me to live the way I did before.

[00:38]

Vanni: How does sport influence your life?

[00:41]

Monica: First of all, it makes me feel good, and it helps me release the stress of daily life.

[00:46]

Vanni: What would you say to someone facing a difficult diagnosis like yours?

[00:50]

Monica: Definitely what I was told: never give up, because you can get back to living as you did before.

[00:57]

Vanni: Up to now you’ve driven us along the road, but now are you ready to be carried by the wind?

[01:02]

Monica: Absolutely—super excited!

[01:03–01:30]

[Monica and Vanni are on a sailboat out at sea at sunset. They are harnessed and attached to the sail, carried by the wind, suspended above the water and occasionally skimming its surface. Then the car is seen setting off again.]

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