He's exhausted, tired, and speechless, but alert and happy. Two and a half months ago, he suffered a serious heart infection that required emergency hospitalization at Berlin's Charité Hospital. In lucid moments in Germany, Manuel Desogus often repeated a simple yet meaningful phrase: "I can't wait to return to Sardinia." A wish that came true on Tuesday evening. The 38-year-old, originally from Las Plassas, finally returned home for Christmas.
In the family
A fundraiser organized by his step-aunt, Ignazia Meloni, was crucial to Manuel's air ambulance transfer. Within a few days, it sparked a veritable outcry, raising over €27,000 to cover his return expenses. Manuel was admitted to Oristano because, as Meloni explains, "the Sanluri Local Health Authority and the medical director of San Gavino Hospital deemed this facility suitable due to its neurorehabilitation department." A new phase of his life, and his treatment, begins for him. The relief is palpable even in the words of his younger brother, Daniel Porcu: "I can finally hug him again and be by his side. Thank you so much for your help."
"The desire for solidarity that sparked this fundraiser was crucial," emphasized the mayor of Las Plassas, Andrea Lampis. A point echoed by Meloni: "Thanks to all the small and large gestures, we managed to raise the necessary amount: without the help of people, Manuel would still be there. Many spoke out, but it was they—the donors—who made the difference."
The Region
In recent days, the regional Department of Labor, led by Desirè Manca, announced in a statement that it would be possible to cover his repatriation expenses. "I spoke with the Region the day after receiving the news to determine how to proceed," Meloni explains. "I sent four emails, but received no response. Meanwhile, Manuel was still in Berlin." At that point, given the amount already raised through the fundraiser, "together with the Consulate, we decided not to wait any longer and directly arrange transportation to bring him home." Las Plassas also played an active role: "The fundraiser responded to the most urgent need," Lampis explains. "Faced with such a delicate situation, we couldn't just stand by and watch: we immediately changed our residence, collaborated on the fundraiser, and maintained constant dialogue with the Sanluri Local Health Authority, whom I thank for their availability, as well as with the regional Departments of Health and Labor, in an effort to identify all possible solutions." Finally, a look to the future: "Now it's important for regional institutions to take concrete action to support Manuel. We will continue to support the family to facilitate every step," he assures.
Thanks
Manuel will now undergo rehabilitation at the Oristano facility. It will be long and demanding, but he will be able to face it surrounded by his loved ones. Without everyone's help, Manuel would never have returned home. A special thanks goes to the Berlin hospital, "which saved his life when his condition was considered extremely serious and almost hopeless," to the Italian Consulate, "always present day and night," to the mayor of Las Plassas, to regional officials for their advice, and "to his two wonderful friends, Michela and Patrizia, who have been by his side during these very difficult months," Meloni concludes.
Giovanni G. Scanu
