The meeting brought together Garhan officials and representatives of the Argentine Pediatric Foundation (FuPeA), which promotes the participation of adolescents in the World Games for transplanted athletes. Ezequiel Correas Espeche, his physical trainer after the transplant, was also distinguished.
Athlete Matteo Coccaro, who received a bone marrow transplant in Garrahan, was recognized at the hospital after winning three gold medals at the World Games in Perth, Australia, in the 50, 100 and 200 meter freestyle swimming events. Professor Ezequiel Correas Espeche, a fundamental participant in Mateo’s resumption of practice, was also awarded the medal.
“I am very proud to represent the country in the World Games for transplant patients. It was a beautiful experience and I always recommend sports for recovery. It is good for mental and physical health, it does a lot of good And helps you with many things”, expressed Mateo Coccaro, and thanked the hospital, Fupe and his family.
“What is most amazing is that your career represents the story of many boys and girls who have had challenges similar to yours and who through their will and strength give back to those of us who work in the health It is priceless, it is worth it. Effort. Struggle and love life because you love it, because you create hope”, said Gabriela Bauer, President of the Board of Directors, at the distribution of the diplomas.
At the meeting, a reference to FuPeA, Daniel Schaefer highlighted the said organization’s work with girls, boys and teenagers who are going through health conditions and the importance of giving Mateo the support he needed to compete in Australia Poured. “Seeing this result may be the best thing that happened to us,” said Elvis Negrete, the history of the Pediatrics Foundation.
After a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy treatment, Mateo returned to physical activity in 2016. He started participating in competitions and today he is a benchmark in sports and transplantology for his performance.
“This is his second World Cup and he already has six gold medals. This makes him a great athlete, and illustrates the importance of supporting a donor society and a health system that provides quality care. And we With the activity Mateo’s adolescence was able to meet all his needs”, physical instructor Ezequiel Correas Espeche highlighted upon receiving the medal.
Mateo is 17 years old and had a bone marrow transplant when he was 9 years old. His brother, Juan David, was the donor. Two years ago, he was referred to Garrahan due to a diagnosis of severe bone marrow aplasia and transplant was the best therapeutic option for his treatment. The treatment gave him a new lease of life and his career as an athlete began.
Participating in the meeting were Patricia Elmedi and Aldo Haimovich, members of the Board of Directors, Executive Medical Director, Patricia Garcia Arrigoni, Director of Patient Care, Deborah Macikowski, Coordinator of Institutional Relations, Walter Casivillano and Chief of Nephrology. , Dialysis and Renal Transplantation, Marta Adragna.
