Bari: on September 20th the “Pigiama Run” returns, the race in pyjamas organized by LILT – Italian League for the Fight against Tumors.

Return to Bari Run pajamas, running/walking in pajamas organized by LILT – Italian League for the Fight against Tumors of the Metropolitan City of Bari to support children with cancer and their families.

As in 40 other Italian cities, the race will take place on Friday 20th September, from 18.30:2 pm, in the Parco 17 giugno (entrance in viale Einaudi). The Village will be open to the public from XNUMX pm.

The initiative was presented this morning, at the Town Hall, by the mayor Vito Leccese, by the councilor for Justice and Social Welfare and Civil Rights Elisabetta Vaccarella, by the president of LILT Metropolitan City of Bari Marisa Cataldo, by the commander of the Pinerolo Mechanized Brigade of the Army Yuri Grossi, by the regional director of the Health and Sport Budget section Benedetto Giovanni Pacifico, by the Director of the Department of Developmental Medicine of the ASL Bari Mariano Manzionna and by the acting director of the Complex Operating Unit of Pediatric Oncohaematology of the Policlinico of Bari Paola Muggeo.

“I thank Lilt for organizing this event to which the administration enthusiastically adheres. All our gratitude goes to Lilt for the work it carries out daily in favor of the prevention of tumor diseases – Vito Leccese said -. This edition of the Pajama Run buys for me, mayor today in pajamas, a particular importance because Bari has become a point of reference at a national level in this field: the number of registrations has increased, which gives us hope regarding the capacity of our city to mobilize on the occasion of an event like this which for us has an indisputable social value. The pajamas I wear, with pride, represent the symbol of attention and support which we intend to adopt towards those who, unfortunately, they are hospitalized in the oncology wards of the city hospitals, forced to wear pyjamas for real and for a long time. My gratitude it also goes, obviously, to the doctors and professionals engaged daily in this battle, among which Dr. Mariano Manzionna here present, to whom I am particularly attached because he reminds me of when, just eighteen years old, I served at the pediatric clinic of the Policlinico, in the secretary of Professor Schettini, within which there was a specific section dedicated to onco-haematological patients. A touching experience that allowed me to share the pain of the families of the little patients. Today, fortunately, great progress has been made, especially in the field of prevention. Finally, allow me to thank all those who have made the realization of the Pigiama Run possible, from the sponsors to the Brigata Pinerolo, to the wonderful operators who daily give a smile in the places that unfortunately experience suffering”.

“I thank Lilt for this initiative and I want to thank all those who participated in the creation of the Pigiama Run – Elisabetta Vaccarella declared – I can only be proud of the participation of my fellow citizens reserve every year for the Pigiama Run and this has allowed Bari to be one of the four main national hubs. The Pigiama Run is not only a solidarity race, but it also represents a symbol of our collective commitment to welfare more inclusive and attentive to the needs of those who fight the disease on a daily basis".

“Dealing with a pediatric tumor is a devastating experience that involves and upsets the entire family. This is why Lilt puts all its energy into the service of the little patients and their loved ones, so as not to leave them alone in a context of great difficulty – explained Marisa Cataldo -. The Pigiama Run is an initiative of the national Lilt, chaired by our fellow citizen, Professor Francesco Schittulli, with Lilt as the leader Milano, to make our hearts beat alongside those of the little warriors fighting cancer and to support their families. Running in pajamas is just a way to show our closeness to the little warriors who live in pajamas most of their time, to make them feel less alone. This year we have enriched the program of collateral events with the aim of involving adults and children in the joy of giving. The proceeds from the event will go to a series of initiatives promoted by associations that operate in the area to support young patients. We would like to continue working to welcome families who have to face difficulties and expenses to be close to their children. We are fully available to share and support projects aimed at making some important aspects related to the course of the disease less dramatic, not only in hospital environments. To do this we need everyone's help: of citizens, institutions and companies. These demonstrations of solidarity, of affection and of generosity they are the lifeblood we need to multiply our energies and our commitment in the Metropolitan City of Bari".

“The ASL is participating in this initiative to support its mission, preventive diagnostics – Mariano Manzionna continued – which tries to correctly intercept young patients by directing them towards the most appropriate treatment paths, according to the protocols shared with the complex unit of Pediatric Oncohematology. We strongly believe that initiatives such as the Pigiama Run not only strengthen awareness of the importance of prevention, but also contribute to creating a network of solidarity and support which is essential for the overall well-being of families and our community. An integrated and collaborative approach between public health and associations is essential to ensure a more peaceful future and a better quality of life for all our children”.

“It is a great honor for me to participate in this initiative, because all the support actions aimed at sick children contribute to improving the efficiency of our therapies – Paola Muggeo concluded -. Taking care of a child with cancer does not only mean taking care of his illness but also offering support to his family and all the people around him. This is made possible thanks to the precious contribution from the associations that support us, such as Lilt Bari. Today the treatment of onco-haematological pathologies has made significant progress with the result that it is possible to successfully treat seven or eight patients out of ten, reaching up to 90 percent survival. However, this is challenging and painful therapies so much so that, I assure you, being in contact with these children is an experience that you carry with you for your entire life.”

Finally, Yuri Grossi underlined how the Pinerolo Brigade is integrated into the social fabric of the city, also thanks to initiatives such as the Pigiama run that support health and prevention.

You can register by browsing the pages of the portal www.pigiamarun.it/bari/ or by going to at the LILT headquarters in Bari, in Corso Italia, 187 from Monday to Friday or at the desk that will be set up for the event in Via Sparano, Saturday 14 September or in the megastores in Bari, Casamassima and Molfetta of Decathlon, technical sponsor of the event, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September.

To all participants in the race (minimum donation €15 – €5 for children up to 7 years old) will be delivered a race pack containing the bib and lots of nice gadgets.

The Pigiama Run 2024 of Bari is sponsored by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, CONI, Sport and Health, Municipality of Bari, Puglia Region, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Polytechnic of Bari and ASL Bari and was organized in collaboration with the Pinerolo Mechanized Brigade of the Italian Army.