The Paola Fedele Association is born in Naples Concrete support for patients with rare oncological diseases

A new point of reference for those living with rare oncological diseases has been established in Naples. The Paola Fedele Association takes its name from a woman who faced a rare peritoneal disease with courage and dignity. It was founded by her daughters, Fabiana and Federica Maiorano, who transformed their personal experience into a concrete commitment: to provide support, information, and a listening ear to patients, families, and caregivers navigating complex and often little-known clinical pathways.

A growing challenge: rare colorectal diseases

In Italy, colorectal cancer remains one of the most common cancers, with around 50,000 new diagnoses estimated in 2025, and is the second most diagnosed cancer among women, right after breast cancer. Within these figures lies a less visible yet equally urgent reality: rare forms of colorectal cancer, which are difficult to recognize and treat, requiring complex diagnostic paths, specialized therapies, and highly skilled clinical management. Patients with rare colorectal diseases often face fragmented information, limited access to specialized centers, and a strong sense of isolation. In this context, structured support networks become essential: from diagnosis to therapy, all the way to reintegration into daily life, providing guidance, listening, and continuity.

The mission of the Paola Fedele Association

The Association was founded with clear goals:

- To support patients by providing clear information and attentive listening throughout their therapeutic journey;

- To assist families and caregivers, offering practical and emotional tools to face the daily challenges of the illness;

- To raise awareness about peritoneal diseases and complications associated with colorectal tumors, promoting a more informed and inclusive social dialogue.

As Fabiana and Federica Maiorano explain: "Supporting those facing rare forms of colorectal cancer means improving access to care and restoring voice and dignity to experiences that often remain on the margins, transforming solitude into companionship and complexity into understanding."

The first official event, meeting, and fundraising

The first event of the Association took place on December 19, 2025, at Elements on Via Partenope in Naples. It was an opportunity for meeting, discussion, and raising awareness, open to the entire community, to introduce the mission of the Association and raise funds in support of patients. Those who wish to contribute can do so through this link: https://gofund.me/f90bf828b.