Today marks the anniversary of the death of Rosanna Benzi, an extraordinary figure whose courage and commitment have left an indelible mark in the fight for the rights of people with disabilities. Struck by polio at the age of 14, she spent much of her life inside an iron lung at the San Marino Hospital in Genoa.
The disease, in fact, caused her quadriplegia and severe respiratory failure. For 29 years out of 42 of her life she lay, motionless, inside this bulky contraption that she called a “water heater” with her whole body closed in the metal cylinder and only her head outside with a mirror above her face that gave her the opportunity to look at herself and see the walls of the hospital facility.
Her story became nationally known when Pope John XXIII sent her a letter of blessing, arousing strong media interest. This event marked the beginning of his social commitment, which manifested itself through the foundation of the magazine “Gli Altri” in 1976.
Thanks to it, Rosanna launched important awareness campaigns on issues related to disability and social marginalization but also on issues such as architectural barriers and the reduction of VAT on wheelchairs and orthopedic devices.
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He dedicated his entire life to fighting for topics that were then taboo
His ability to speak openly about taboo topics such as the sexuality of people with disabilities and the denunciation of the inadequate treatment given to psychiatric patients then still in mental hospitals helped to promote greater awareness and acceptance within society.
His books, including “The vice of living” and “Girotondo in una stanza”, have become points of reference for anyone interested in better understanding the challenges and experiences of people with disabilities.
Rosanna Benzi, who repeatedly claimed that she did not want to waste and throw away her life, continued to fight for the rights and dignity of people with disabilities until her untimely death on 4 February 1991.
His fighting spirit and determination continue to inspire many people today and his contribution to the cause of human rights will remain indelible also thanks to the Gli Altri Association which inherited his baton by continuing its commitment to changing the culture of indifference and pietism.
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