A sea of solidarity. The Da Porto a Porto is back.

English: "From Porto to Porto has become a mission for me and every year we try to improve because we know how important it is for those who are facing cancer to know that they can always count on someone. I am sure that this year too will be a day of celebration from which we will launch a strong message of solidarity and I hope, thanks to everyone's generosity, to be able to achieve a great result to guarantee a better quality of life for many cancer patients and their families". Lorenzo Massai, creator of the "From Porto to Porto – Around Argentario", presented the eighth edition of the event yesterday at the Prato headquarters of the Tuscan Cancer Association, which will be held on 11 August. The now traditional charity swim from Porto Ercole to Porto Santo Stefano, covering 22 km, raised around 144 thousand euros last year and is ready to return again this year: there will be 94 swimmers at the start, including individuals (24) and relay swimmers (70), making it already a record-breaking edition. This event has continued to be held regularly throughout the pandemic, ensuring care for cancer patients in Prato, Pistoia, and Florence and their families.

As always, the proceeds will be donated to the Tuscan Cancer Association (Associazione Tumori Toscana) and will be used to provide home care and support for cancer patients. Over half a million euros has been raised since 2018, thanks to an initiative whose celebrity endorsers include Pamela Villoresi, Giorgio Panariello, Jury Chechi, Simona Quadarella, Mario Cipollini, and Sofia Goggia (who participated or launched a social media appeal). In recent weeks, Federica Pellegrini and Gregorio Paltrinieri have also participated. Villoresi will also be the event's "godmother." "A very important sporting and social event," commented ATT President Giuseppe Spinelli, regarding the Da Porto a Porto (From Porto to Porto), "with the aim of providing concrete support to cancer patients and their families."

ATT reported that since the association's founding in 1999, more than 21,000 Tuscan citizens with cancer have received free home care and the support of professionals and volunteers in Prato, Florence, and Pistoia (and their respective provinces). Compared to 2023, 2024 saw an increase in requests for assistance and treatment submitted to the association in the Prato and Pistoia areas, with ATT's new activations rising to 397.

John Florentine