How much is a breath worth? An act that most of us carry out without thinking about it, but which for those living with cystic fibrosis can represent a daily challenge. It is with this powerful message that the Italian Cystic Fibrosis League (LIFC) and its spokesperson, Alessandro Gattafoni, have brought attention to an often silent but devastating disease.
The epic undertaking in the Strait of Messina for cystic fibrosis
LIFC Press Office
On July 9th, in a single morning, Alessandro Gattafoni accomplished a memorable feat that caught the attention of many: crossing the Strait of Messina. Not a simple crossing, but a double journey that saw Alessandro start from Calabria in kayak to reach Sicily, and immediately afterwards, take the reverse route by swimming, landing again on the Calabrian coast. A true symbol of resistance and determination.
This sporting feat was not just a demonstration of physical strength, but a deeply symbolic gesture. Upon arrival, Gattafoni was welcomed by the LIFC President, Antonio Guarini, and numerous representatives and volunteers, testifying to the strong emotional and awareness-raising impact of the “125 Miglia per un Respiro” initiative.
Sport as therapy and message of hope
LIFC Press Office
Alessandro Gattafoni, himself suffering from cystic fibrosis, embodies the philosophy that sport is not just a pastime, but an essential component of therapy. Physical activity, in fact, helps improve respiratory function and the quality of life of people with this pathology.
As Alessandro points out: “The meaning of the challenge does not lie in the distance to travel or the result to be achieved, but in the courage to confront my fear, with a personal limit, with something that truly represents an important test. (…) I would like to say not to constantly compare yourself with the exploits of others, but to find your own challenge, your own objective, your own path. Each of us has a ‘Strait’ to cross.” A universal message, which goes beyond the disease, inspiring anyone to overcome their limits.
The voice of LIFC: Antonio Guarini and the impact of the initiative
The LIFC President, Antonio Guarini, highlighted how each new edition of “125 Miglia per un Respiro” represents “a step forward in the journey to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis”. Alessandro’s example transforms personal experience into a powerful message of hope, demonstrating how sport can be an extraordinary tool for dealing with the disease and looking beyond one’s limits.
LIFC is committed to giving a voice to over 6,000 people with cystic fibrosis in Italy and their families, supporting research, access to care and patients’ quality of life. The initiative is sponsored by important bodies such as CONI, FICK (Italian Canoe Kayak Federation), Sport and Health, and supported by the unconditional contribution of Vertex, a leading company in innovative therapies.
What is cystic fibrosis? A fight for every breath
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most widespread serious genetic disease, which progressively damages the respiratory and digestive systems. It is a chronic and degenerative pathology, which affects males and females alike, causing the production of excessively thick mucus. This mucus clogs the lungs, liver, pancreas and other organs, leading to frequent infections and progressive damage. In more severe cases, the only solution may be a double lung transplant.
In Italy, there will be 6,182 people affected by CF in 2024, with 150 new cases per year. Thanks to continuous therapeutic progress, however, 65.2% of patients are over the age of 18, an encouraging figure that underlines the importance of investing in research and treatment.
Next horizons: the world championship and continuous commitment
Alessandro Gattafoni’s commitment does not stop here. After the summer, the message of “125 Miles for a Breath” will cross national borders: from 9 to 11 October 2026, Alessandro will participate in the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championship in La Vila Joyosa, Spain. A further opportunity to give visibility to cystic fibrosis in an international context, continuing to inspire and fight for every breath.
