« I took a crab », the exhilarating sitcom that revolutionizes the way of telling and dealing with cancer

A sitcom played by cancer sick boys. Point. This would be enough, in a powerful synthesis, to calamite the curiosity of anyone. But « I took a crab » (Available on Mediaset Infinity, editor’s note) It is not just a hilarious TV series: it is the tip of the iceberg of a much wider design, which revolutionizes the way in which the cancer and life of the young people who face it is told.

Arose in the heart of « Young project»AtNational Cancer Institute of Milanthis creative experiment represents the crowning of a path that combines science, art and humanity, demonstrating how a new idea of ​​the future can also germinate between Flebo and Chemo.
The miniseries paints the hospital life of 25 very young patients in a desecrating way grappling with oncological care, between eclectic characters, bizarre influencers, dreamers musicians. On the one hand there is the disarming self -irony with which these guys play with words, because the word « cancer » derives from the Greek term Karkìnoswhich means precisely « crab »: in the ancient observations of Hippocrates, the father of scientific medicine, the appearance of tumor branches had in fact been combined with the image of the crustacean claws. On the other hand, he vibrates the disruptive will not to be imprisoned in that meaning: I took a crab, yes, but he won’t take me!

But what are most amazed are not the stadium plots, as much as the basic message: laugh despite everything. Indeed, precisely starting from that « everything ». Because inside « I took a crab » the spirit of the « Young Project » palpitates, an invaluable reality founded and coordinated by Professor Andrea Ferrari within the Oncological Pediatrics directed by Dr. Maura Massimino. Thanks to the precious support of the Bianca Garavaglia Association, this life laboratory operates with the aim of return meaning, voice and beauty To those who, teenager or young adult, find themselves managing a diagnosis of cancer. A therapeutic path that is not limited to clinical care, but expands in the emotional, social and creative sphere. A place where the boys are no longer only patients, but directors, photographers, songwriters, performers and cartoonists. PeopleIn short, in the fullness of their expressioneven when the body is experienced by the disease.

The « seven souls » of the Youth Project (look a bit, seven as the episodes that make up the sitcom and the minutes of each segment) are pillars of a temple built to be a boy -made and on solid scientific foundations (because the excellence of the treatments that are administered here is always rigorously aligned with the most advanced standards of pediatric oncology). There is sharing, between those who have just started their care path and who, that path, has already crossed it: it is a edifying meeting, which strongly testifies that Life does not stop with the diseasebut it can resume, transform and return to being savored with intensity. There is free emotional expressionthrough photography, music, acting: resources that become true tools of care, capable of channeling fears and desires in creations that move and surprise. And then There is the lightness of normalitybecause even in an oncological department you can joke, eat cakes and laugh with your doctors. Indeed, especially there, where Each smile is a conquest. And there is no shortage of the enhancement of self -esteem, the sense of the future, the voice in the community, and finally ─ and not least ─ the scientific impact: why The « Youth Project » is a clinical and human model studied and recognized by the international medical authorities And Celebrated for its concrete results, so much so that the spotlight of important scientific journals, such as The Lancet Oncology and The Journal of Clinical Oncology earn.

The songs arising from the imagination of these guys – such as Clouds of oxygen And Christmas balls – They conquer the web by becoming viral on YouTube. The photographs taken among the corridors of the hospital find space in exhibitions open to the public. The thoughts and words matured during the path of treatments become the subject of study and reflection in the seminars. In short, a new consistency takes consistency around these experiences of illness narrative medicine, where creativity is not only artistic expression, but an authentic antidote against fear and solitude.

The Maestro Giovanni Allevioncological patient himself, in his exciting monologue on the stage of the seventy -fourth edition of the Sanremo Festival. Speaking of the dawn contemplated from the hospital window, He recalled that even in the dark days you can see a spark of beauty. The boys of the « Young Project » know well what this means: each of their initiative is a form of poetic resistance against darkness. A strategy to restore its colors, shades to the future. His wonder.

« This place is not the world, but these are the values ​​that I want to find out there », so says the mantra of one of the boys. The testimonies of those who live the « Young projectThey touch deep ropes. There are those who call it a refuge, who a second home, some a salvation. But above all, It is a place where we return to feel « whole », despite the storm. A teenager says: «After the diagnosis I felt empty. Then I saw other guys laughing, and that’s where I decided to want to go back to doing it too ». Another says: «Here the doctors really listen to. We design together. And it’s a great experience ».

The sitcom « I took a crab » is yet another, brilliant confirmation of how the amused common sense and a healthy dose of lightness can prove to be An extraordinary therapeutic tool, that not only raises the soul, but creates connections, shortens the distances and returns strength to those who have felt for a long time without a voice. And in this scenario, the special participation of the comic trio Aldo, Giovanni and Giacomo It adds further joy and a touch more of precious relief.

More: just recently, this television production was projected toItalian Institute of Culture of Brusselsin the context of the week Aya (the acronym stands for Teenascent and young adults), promoted by Siop Europe, the European Society of Pediatric Oncologywhich has seen a priceless form of support therapy in the initiative: a strategy capable not only of accompanying patients along the delicate path of the disease, but also to raise public awareness of the experience – often invisible – of teenagers and young adults affected by cancer.
And while the public is preparing to enjoy the light -hearted series (with a second season already on the horizon), the biggest teaching comes from these extraordinary young people: Courage is not always an epic challenge. Often it is a simple gesture: getting involved, telling your story, and finding a way to smile. Even with a crab on the heart.