A 33-year-old woman from Sicily, Italy, recently underwent a life-saving lung transplant in France after a rare bacterial infection precluded her receiving the procedure at home. Benedetta Montalto’s journey – aided by a 2,300-kilometer relay coordinated by the Italian Red Cross – highlights the challenges faced by those with cystic fibrosis and the international collaboration required to overcome them. Following a triumphant July transplant at Nord Laennec Hospital in Nantes, and a recent hospital readmission, Montalto received a heartwarming visit from her longtime doctors from Policlinico di Messina, a testament to the enduring bonds between patients and their care teams.
A fundraising campaign helped cover the medical expenses for the 33-year-old woman, who shared, “You surprised me with a great gesture.”
NANTES – A fundraising effort gained attention across Italy to help cover the medical costs for Benedetta Montalto, a 33-year-old woman living with cystic fibrosis. She recently underwent a lung transplant at Nord Laennec Hospital in Nantes, France, as a unique bacterial infection prevented her from receiving the procedure in her home country.
After what she described as a challenging journey of over 2,300 kilometers from Sicily to France – aided by the dedication of Italian Red Cross volunteers who coordinated a 24-hour relay – Benedetta received the transplant in July. She is now focused on a lengthy rehabilitation and therapy process. Recently, she received a heartwarming surprise: a visit from her doctors at the Policlinico di Messina. “With this surprise, you made me so happy, you showed me with a great gesture that you will always be there for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she wrote on Facebook.
Benedetta’s Story: From the Journey to the Transplant
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The need for a transplant abroad stemmed from a rare bacterial infection that complicated Benedetta’s case. According to reports, the infection made her ineligible for a transplant in Italy. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, and transplants can significantly improve quality of life for patients with advanced disease.
Speaking to Tempostretto, Benedetta explained that the surgery itself went well, and she spent only half a day in intensive care. However, the bacterial infection unfortunately returned, requiring her to be readmitted to the hospital in December. “I’m not as sick as I was before, but I still have many symptoms due to the bacteria,” she said.
Currently hospitalized, Benedetta experienced dehydration and a subsequent bout of pneumonia and influenza. Imaging revealed a buildup of mucus in her right lung, which doctors are working to clear with antibiotics. “The doctors in Messina told me that the situation will take a long time to resolve. It’s not a very serious condition, but it will take months. I don’t know when I’ll be able to go home yet,” she shared.
Benedetta’s Gratitude to Doctors in Messina and Nantes
Benedetta expressed deep gratitude to both the medical teams in Messina and Nantes. She praised the care she’s receiving in France, noting the responsiveness and support of the doctors, nurses, and other staff. However, she emphasized the long-standing relationship with her doctors in Messina, who have been with her since she was 15 days old. “For me, they are my family. They helped me so much and opened doors for me when there were no paths available,” she said. She explained that without the transplant, her condition was critical and her prognosis uncertain.
“I always say thank you to them, because they did everything to get me here. And the doctors here welcomed me well, as did the nurses and assistants. There is never anyone who puts me off until tomorrow, even at night. No one wastes time, and I am grateful. And they also give me great moral support. I hope that all the boys who unfortunately find themselves in my situation have the opportunity to be welcomed here as happened to me,” she added.
Doctors from Messina to Nantes: “We Promised Her”
Recently, Maria Cristina Lucanto, Stefano Costa, Simona Cristadoro, and Mariangela Lombardo – doctors from the Cystic Fibrosis Regional Center at Policlinico G. Martino in Messina – traveled to Nantes to visit Benedetta. Dr. Lucanto explained to Tempostretto that the visit was a promise made to Benedetta when she decided to pursue the transplant.
“Lung transplants are generally performed in Italy for patients with cystic fibrosis, but it wasn’t possible for her due to the infection she had. There were limitations related to certain protocols,” Dr. Lucanto said. “We proposed her case to various centers in Italy, but due to this and the limited availability of donor organs, it wasn’t possible. It wasn’t a matter of quality, as the Italian system is among the best in the world. The problem remains caused by the limited donations. Unfortunately, each of us may one day need a transplant. We should reflect more on this point.”
Messina and Nantes Have Collaborated for Years
Dr. Lucanto highlighted the extensive logistical effort involved in Benedetta’s journey, praising the work of the Italian Red Cross. She also explained that the collaboration with Nantes was built on a decade-long relationship, including a previous transplant of another patient from Messina. “We had a series of phone and online meetings. When they accepted her, we organized the trip abroad with the authorization of the Region. She was on the list for about two months before the transplant in July. We had promised her that we would come to visit her. It was a double opportunity for us, because we were also able to strengthen our relationship with our French colleagues. A wonderful team, whom we thank.”
The surprise visit was well-received. “We introduced her to Dr. Isabelle Danner, who said to her in Italian, ‘There’s a nice surprise for you.’ We arrived at a time when Benedetta was a little down, we hope this will help her to get back on her feet. She is putting in all the effort. We helped her in this process and will always be with her,” Dr. Lucanto said. The Cystic Fibrosis Center at Policlinico di Messina is a regional hub and a center of excellence at the national and European levels, having received recognition from the European Cystic Fibrosis Society and being included in the European clinical research network. The Associazione volontari contro la fibrosi cistica (Volunteers Against Cystic Fibrosis Association) also played a crucial role, guaranteeing coverage for extra expenses and supporting travel costs.
The Thanks of Teresa Cristaldi
Teresa Cristaldi, a friend of Benedetta, councilor for Equal Opportunities in the Municipality of Viagrande, and also a patient and vice president of the Associazione volontari contro la fibrosi cistica e malattie correlate ets, added her gratitude. “It is often said that certain departments become ‘home’ and that doctors and nurses become ‘family’. Here we have concrete proof. Taking such an important step is not for everyone. It goes far beyond professional duty, it is pure empathy and love for the lives of their patients. Seeing this closeness, this feeling of being protected even miles away, is our greatest joy. Thank you for never making us feel alone and for having the rare ability to make us feel at home, always. You are an example of the medicine we like: one made of excellence, but above all of humanity.”
