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Sub-intensive care unit at Santo Spirito Hospital in Pescara.

Noemi's Island of Dolphins

Inaugurated the work “Noemi’s Dolphin Island” for the Pediatric Sub-Intensive Care Unit at Pescara Hospital

Pescara, February 19, 2025

Inaugurated the work “Noemi’s Dolphin Island” for the Pediatric Sub-Intensive Care Unit at Pescara Hospital

On Feb. 19, 2025, the work “Noemi’s Dolphin Island,” donated by the “Noemi Project” ODV/ETS Association, was presented at the Aula Magna of the Santo Spirito Hospital in Pescara.
The work, created by Painted Hospitals and signed by artist Silvio Irilli, is part of the project to humanize hospital spaces and is dedicated to little Andrea Di Michele, who died prematurely.
The drawings and colors used on the walls aim to make the ward a more welcoming and serene place. Inside the display are six paintings created by little Noemi: a valuable vehicle of hope for hospitalized children and their families.
"We sincerely thank all the supporters who, through their donations, have made possible the realization of a wonderful work- The work, in continuity with the project carried out for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, is dedicated to Andrea di Michele: an extraordinary boy who, together with his family, became part of Project Noemi and in recent years has taught us the inestimable value of life. His example of strength and tenacity urges us to go further, to keep up the focus and support for children with very severe disabilities and their families.   The ASL of Pescara has the burden and honor of hosting two hospital wards-the pediatric intensive care unit and the pediatric sub-intensive care unit-both of which did not exist until eight years ago. An ambitious responsibility that requires the commitment and expertise of everyone, day in and day out. Not an end point but a starting point. Families are asking us to increase expertise on behalf of very severe disabilities, and this implies high care complexity. They need to be cared for in their own region, with dedicated teams. Today there are health care referrals, but more needs to be done to see the fruits of excellent work realized. Together with the health sector and regional institutional bodies, we need to invest for an effectively virtuous present and future."
ANDREA SCIARRETTA
President Ass. Noemi Project
“The places where care takes place are critical to the overall patient experience. It is crucial that little ones can express their wishes and feelings, even in complex clinical situations. Humanization of care is not just about medication, but also about affection, social relationships, and the possibility of moments of recreation. This attention to detail, with spaces designed to provide comfort and relaxation, results in a holistic approach that considers the child not only as a patient, but as an individual with emotional and social needs. Creating an environment where smiles and play can coexist with clinical needs is a key goal in improving the quality of life for the little ones in our care.”
ALESSANDRA LOCATELLI
Minister for Disabilities of the Republic of Italy
Irilli con il Ministro alle disabilità Locatelli
Irilli e il papà di Noemi
Taglio del nastro
“Noemi's Island of Dolphins” is the title of the second work I created for the Ass. Noemi Project where I wanted to include Noemi's beautiful paintings so that her color and life force could reach the young patients directly. The idea of an island, perhaps a haven of serenity and peace, combined with dolphins, animals known for their friendliness and connection to freedom, creates a reassuring and positive image. The inclusion of Noemi's paintings turned into kites bring lightness and hope, but also invite imagination, transporting children to a world where they can feel free to fly. This work, like the others, for pediatric sub-intensive care has great value, not only visually, but also emotionally. Art in contexts like this has a powerful therapeutic force, capable of improving the psychological well-being of young patients."
SILVIO IRILLI
Artist and Founder of Painted Hospitals

After opening Project Noemi and Painted Hospitals tell their stories in schools

PESCARA – Students from theTito Acerbo Institute in Pescara had the opportunity to participate in an educational and inspirational meeting with Andrea Sciarretta, president of theNoemi ODV/ETS Project Association, and Silvio Irilli, artist and founder of the Painted Hospitals project.

During his speech, Andrea Sciarretta shared the story of Noemi, from its inception to the creation of Project Noemi – focusing on the values and goals achieved by the Association for improving the living conditions of children with very severe disabilities.

He also recounted the collaboration with Painted Hospitals, which has enabled the creation of artistic works in pediatric wards, such as the recent “Noemi’s Dolphin Island” in the Pediatric Sub-Intensive Care Unit of Pescara Hospital.Silvio Irilli told the students about his artistic journey. With his paintings, Irilli not only brings color to the wards, but creates real emotional pathways that can banish fears and anxieties, both in patients and medical staff.

The event offered students a journey through art, solidarity and social commitment, telling how it is possible to transform hospital spaces into welcoming and colorful environments capable of transmitting serenity and hope to young patients and their families. It was a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of issues of great human and social value, showing them how art and solidarity can make a difference in the lives of so many people.

Thanks to the Tito Acerbo Institute in Pescara for the wonderful reception

PRESS REVIEW

The work was donated by

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