Victoria: A Story of Solidarity

This past Saturday, April 12, Bar Dalì in Montano Lucino (Como) hosted a charity food drive organized by the Pesi Massimi fans group, featuring a very special guest: Victoria, the little warrior who has been bravely fighting a severe congenital malformation for nearly two years.

Born on April 13, 2023, Victoria was diagnosed with a rare condition: Vacterl-type esophageal atresia. In just two years of life, she has undergone numerous delicate surgeries and constant medical monitoring.

Since the very first moment of her life, her mother Martina has never left her side. Day and night, she has stood by her daughter with extraordinary strength, driven by maternal love and supported by the wave of solidarity that grew around their story.

“I’m proud to have people like you by my side. You have a different kind of light, something that says: ‘you’re not alone,’” says Martina, Victoria’s mother. “Any kind of support is a light of hope when you’re exhausted. It’s been a difficult year and a half, and at times, giving up seemed easier than continuing to fight. There were days that felt meaningless, with no progress. But today, we can finally see results. Even the smallest message of support helped us through the hardest moments.”

The Pesi Massimi group has taken care of this family’s journey, they are the historic group of Como 1907 supporters known for their longstanding commitment to solidarity initiatives like this one. Como 1907 itself has also stepped in, choosing to stand alongside Victoria and her family.

“We met little Victoria and immediately welcomed her as one of the Pesi Massimi,” says Alessandro Giummo, a representative of the group. “We understood her struggles, and we’re proud to have helped and to continue helping for nearly a year now. Victoria wants to live, and there’s no way we could turn our backs on that.”

Victoria’s story was first shared in August 2023, when the Pesi Massimi launched a fundraising campaign that exceeded €12,000. The entire amount was used to support her medical care and assist her family.

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The April 12 initiative also included a food drive aimed at supporting people in difficult circumstances. Two organizations already connected with Como 1907 were the beneficiaries: the Casa della Giovane “Irma Meda” in Ponte Chiasso and the “Il Bucaneve” Educational Community in Monte Olimpino.

The Casa della Giovane, led by President Silvia Cantaluppi, is a second-stage shelter offering refuge and protection to women who are victims of violence, often accompanied by their children. The facility provides a safe environment and financial support for daily expenses, from utilities to assistance services. Como 1907 has been supporting the center since February through a collaboration with the 3Sixty brand, which launched a special limited-edition collection, with all proceeds donated to the shelter.

It was a day full of emotions, familiar faces, and above all, solidarity. Victoria’s presence, invited together with her mother, was the cherry on top. After a year spent in hospital corridors, enduring risky operations and sleepless nights, today Victoria smiles—held in the arms of a community that refuses to let her walk alone.