Bergamot cod with potatoes, chives and extra virgin olive oil. It is the dish that the starred chef Caterina Ceraudo, of the Dattilo restaurant in Strongoli (KR), prepared at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome for the patients of the oncology gynecology departments, as part of the “Special Cook – chef in the ward” initiative.
Ceraudo was the protagonist of the charity event promoted by the Jole Santelli and Officine Buone Association, organized with the Giovanni Scambia Foundation, Loto – united for women against cancer and the Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation Irccs – Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. During the morning the chef illustrated the ingredients and nutritional properties of the recipe, while the patients were given a booklet to replicate the dish independently.
A gesture of care beyond therapy
Artisanal citrus fruit soaps – cedar, bergamot and Rocca Imperiale lemons – made according to the principles of aromatherapy, recognized as a support for psychophysical well-being for their positive effects on mood and stress reduction, were also distributed to patients, healthcare staff and volunteers.
The “Special Cook” project is dedicated to cancer patients and aims to remind us how nutrition represents an essential component of the treatment process, as well as being a gesture of attention towards oneself. “Today was a very special moment because I gave smiles, flavors and scents of our beloved Calabria – said Caterina Ceraudo –. I believe that nutrition is a moment of leisure but also a way of taking care of oneself”.
“We are proud to be here at Gemelli, on the anniversary of Professor Giovanni Scambia – said Paola Santelli -. The authentic flavors of Calabria become a gesture of warmth towards those who face the most important battle of their lives”. The director of the Gynecology Oncology department, Professor Anna Fagotti, spoke of an “exciting day”, underlining the importance of combining clinical excellence with concrete closeness to people.
“My father always cared a lot about nutrition to humanize treatment,” recalled Luisa Scambia, of the Giovanni Scambia Foundation, defining the initiative as “a caress for his patients”. The Undersecretary of the Interior Wanda Ferro also participated in the event, highlighting how the initiative translates Jole Santelli’s teaching in a concrete way: alongside therapies, gestures of attention capable of giving strength and hope.