In L’Aquila, the death toll is up to 260 victims and counting. There have been episodes of looting and some arrests. Aftershocks continue. Yet, in the midst of all this tragedy, there are some amazing stories about the Italian spirit and resilience.
Maria d’Antuono (photo at right) was pulled out of the rubble of her home in Tempera (near L’Aquila) by firefighters nearly 30 hours after Monday’s earthquake. Maria was saved by the brave firefighters who were themselves amazed to see how well she was doing. Although a bit shaken at first, Maria quickly accepted some food and drink and complained that they did not let her comb her hair before filming. When asked what she did for 30 hours, Maria explained she passed her time crocheting!
Another 98-year-old, Ines Alessandro has survived two major earthquakes and the collapse of the home that killed two of her sisters when she was young. Ines was in her apartment on Monday night and re-lived the horrors of the past. In an interview with ANSA (the Italian news agency), Ines talked about the 1915 Marsica earthquake that devastated her town Castel di Ieri when she was a small child. Ines remains strong. Her message is this:
“Please hurry to help those who are suffering and find a way to comfort those who have lost everything. I have struggled my entire life - now is the time to be brave.”
See the Youtube video of the Maria d'Antuono rescue (commentary in Italian):
If you’d like to help, the National Italian American Foundation has set up a special Abruzzo/NIAF Relief fund to help victims and their families. For information, go to:
www.niaf.org/relief/Relief_info.asp
You can also make donations to the Italian Red Cross (Croce Rossa Italiana).
This site is in Italian: http://www.cri.it/donazioni/index.php?mode=form
(AP Photo/Mediaset via APTN)
For more info: www.niaf.org/relief/Relief_info.asp
http://www.cri.it/donazioni/index.php?mode=form
Comments
What a beautiful story of strength and courage. Thank you for sharing.
Jackie DiGiovanni
What a sweetheart and so typical of the Italian women to take pride in their appearance. I can't believe she was worried about her hair :-).
They remind me of my own mother who is 93-years-young. What an amazingly strong generation!
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