THE PROJECT AND WHO IS AGITO
At the Rizzoli Institute, an animal-assisted education (EAA) project will be launched, aimed at oncology patients hospitalized in the spinal surgery department. The project will last one year with weekly meetings, involving children, adults and bedridden patients. The dogs, trained and guided by specialized operators, will carry out targeted activities such as grooming, brushing, playing games and teaching basic commands. These interactions will not only distract patients from pain, but will offer emotional comfort, promoting relaxation, improved mood and self-esteem. Pet therapy will allow patients to establish a relationship with animals, mediators of emotions and moods, thanks to their non-judgmental nature. Through contact with dogs, patients will be able to develop communication skills, empathy and a greater sense of calm and control, benefiting from a therapeutic experience capable of diverting attention from problems and improving the quality of their stay in hospital.
AGITO, the Association of Parents Together with Bone Tumors, is a volunteer organization founded in 2019 and affiliated with the Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute. Made up of parents of children affected by bone sarcoma, the association works to raise awareness of oncological diseases, support clinical research and improve the quality of life of patients. During the treatment process, many parents have seen the benefits of the company of a pet, discovering how much animals can alleviate stress and pain. For this reason, AGITO promotes initiatives such as pet therapy in the oncological orthopedic surgery departments, dedicated to patients of all ages from all over Italy, also involving disabled pet operators to offer empathic and psychological support. The association, which has become a fundamental interlocutor for the needs of patients and family members, supports other projects such as the psychology service in the Osteoncology department, ceramics and art therapy workshops, and initiatives to support research.