Raffaele is a 24 years old Italian boy, full of dreams and passions. Before the accident, he was working hard to enlist in the Italian Navy. Since he was in High School, he always took part to social/political events and manifestations, fighting for the rights of students. He, in fact, was School Rep for 2 years. Full of interests and ambitions, he never stopped although the many obstacles he encountered. On the 16th of April 2016 Raffaele's life brutally changed. On that night, while driving his 'vespa', due to still unknown circumstances, he had an accident on the route SS16- Bari. The ambulance took him to the Emergency department of the main hospital in Bari (Policlinico di Bari), where he immediately underwent surgery due to the severe neurological injuries. The first head surgery lasted over 6 hours, while family and friends were reunited in the hospital hoping and praying for his life. After the surgery, Raffaele was in a coma, which according to all the doctors was irreversible. However, his fighting soul overtook the coma, and after 16 days he finally woke up from this horrible nightmare. On that day, the 2nd of May 2016, his family started believing and hoping again, acknowledging the strengh and thirst for life of Raffaele. Nonetheless, this was only the first step of a long and difficult path which they are still living. From the main hospital in Bari, Raffaele was moved to "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" in San Giovanni Rotondo which is in the northern part of Apulia. Due to continuous assistance needed by Raffaele, his mother had to move near the hospital having to give up her occasional job as home cleaner. His father and sister, due to the economic situation, had to stay in Bari while keep working in order to provide for Raffaele and the momentary accomodation for Raffaele's mother. For over 6 months, they had to pay double rent as to be able to be close to their beloved son. During his stay in San Giovanni Rotondo, he underwent other two cranial surgeries to reduce the severe trauma. Unfortunately, his stay in the hospital was not as helpful and productive as it was meant to be, because of the lack of competence and interest of the Hospital's staff. Indeed, recognising the unprofessional environment where he was, as soon as he was more physically stable, Raffaele and his family moved to "Centro Riabilitativo Montecatone", in Imola, in the Emilia-Romagna region. Here again, mother together with Raffaele's father had to rent a second accomodation, while Raffaele's younger sister - Wanda, was still attending High School in Bari. His father, working as a Firefighter, asked for a transfer in order to be able to stay with his son and wife. While in Montecatone, Raffaele finally became conscious again thanks to the hard work of doctors and nurses. Since November 2016, the intensive care and treatments started being more effective, giving Raffaele the chance to finally start an active recovery. He did lots of physiotherapy, speech therapy and specialised gym exercises. After a whole year of both economic and psychological struggles, on the 16th of November 2017 Raffaele was brought back home to Bari. Here, all his friends and family, and the city overall, were finally able to welcome him as he deserves. Unfortunately, the Italian National Healthcare system is unable to provide fully for him. Raffaele still needs intensive neurological and physical physiotherapy as he is still on a wheelchair, fed by tubes, unable to speak or clearly interact with others. He can't walk, but he could. He can't eat, but he could. He can't talk, but he could. Raffaele's struggle is not over yet. He needs specialised and expensive care, which his family is not able to provide for. On the 29th of January 2018, Raffaele is meant to go visit a doctor in Austria who seems to be the only one capable to help him. This page has the objective of raising money to fight a battle together with Raffaele and his family, that they would not be able to fight alone. Raffaele is everyone's son, brother and friend. Help us giving back Raffaele's life to him, and all the wonderful support system around him.

Follow his story on his facebook page. If you need any more info, feel free to email me personally on: tagragi@hotmail.it or message me on facebook.