Transforming Oncological Experiences into Longevity Factors
ZONA BLU is a community of entrepreneurial and freelance women who share values of compassion, social commitment, and mutual support. They aim to energetically and joyfully spread the value of experiences to engage people in their journey towards health and active longevity, inviting them to discover their own “Blue Zone.”
The “Event Zero” featured Michela Patrini presenting the project, which, on the evening of June 8th, brought together around a hundred participants, including sponsoring companies and guests, in the historic setting of [SETTECENTO] Restaurant and Hotel in the outskirts of Bergamo, a supporting partner.
Patrini was contacted by Sara Nozza Bielli, a digital insurance agent, and Paola Cavagna, owner of a real estate agency, after her story shared on social media attracted and inspired them with the idea of raising awareness for prevention.
The evening was filled with intense emotions, starting with an introductory video about the Blue Zones, followed by speeches from Vatinee Suvimol, Michela Patrini, Laura Castoldi, Sara Oppedisano, Angela Cammarota, and Savina Baschenis on the value of personal experiences and sharing by former patients and specialists in self-empowerment. A special guest, Dr. Myriam Mazza, pharmacist, cosmetologist, and founder of the project “Ricomincio da me” (Starting Over), also contributed to the event.
During the gala dinner, with entertainment by Omar Fantini, italian TV host and comedian, participants had the opportunity to personally meet the evening’s testimonials at their tables in an atmosphere of genuine interest and sharing.
The proceeds from this event were donated to AOB, the Bergamasque Oncological Association, to support volunteer activities for women at the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo and San Giovanni Bianco.
The Blue Zone Project: GUARDATI SEI BELLISSIMA.
The “Guardati sei bellissima” (Look at Yourself, You Are Beautiful) project aims to help oncological patients and women experiencing changes caused by treatments and surgeries to embrace the metamorphoses of their bodies. This is achieved through a 360° Image Consulting Workshop, which is absolutely innovative because it is designed by former patients for patients. It provides access to professionals in image consulting, dermocosmetics, makeup, and cancer coaching.
Feeling good about oneself has a profoundly positive impact on psychological well-being.
“During our journey, we have seen how important it is for women, especially those affected by diseases, to regain self-confidence through physical appearance care.”
This not only improves self-esteem but can also positively influence the person’s engagement in their health journey, enhance relationships, and uplift their mood, with benefits that go far beyond aesthetics. Personal enhancement techniques should be considered complementary therapies in oncological care because they offer people tools to better manage physical changes, reduce stress, and improve quality of life during such a delicate period.
Entrepreneurs and doctors from the region have joined the “ZONA BLU” community and concretely support the “Guardati sei bellissima” project. What are we looking for? Selected public and private healthcare facilities that believe in patient engagement as a tool for an effective therapeutic alliance and offer space for the workshops, which will be conducted by sector professionals selected by former patients for patients, both from the facility itself and externally.