Empoli - Instead of unwrapping his own presents on his 12th birthday last December, little Orlando made an extraordinary decision. Thanks to a fundraising campaign supported by his relatives and the families of his friends, he was able to make a special donation to the neonatology department of the San Giuseppe Hospital in Empoli (province of Florence): Two special „Care“ gloves, specially imported from the United States.
The importance of care gloves
These special gloves made of soft cotton or hypoallergenic materials are of great importance in neonatal intensive care. Physical contact is essential for premature babies in particular, but must be extremely gentle due to their vulnerability. The gloves give the baby a feeling of security, similar to that in the womb. Parents can also wear the gloves in advance so that the fabric absorbs their scent and retains their body heat. This is then transferred to the newborn to soothe it during rest periods.
Inspiration from the family
The idea for this campaign originated in the immediate family circle. Orlando's grandmother worked on this very ward for many years and often talked at home about families who had been separated by their young children's stay in intensive care. In order to close this emotional gap, Orlando's parents organized the fundraiser, in which all the classmates and friends invited to the birthday party took part.
Orlando recently visited the hospital with his sister, mother and grandmother. The donation was officially acknowledged during a tour of the pediatric and neonatology department, led by Director Prof. Roberto Bernardini. Francesca Bellini, Director of the facility, praised the initiative: „It is a gesture with a double value. On the one hand, it is a tangible contribution to the department and, on the other, it sends an important message. Even small instruments can make a big difference in the healing process.“
