he is the first Venetian victim in the pediatric age. She was an only child
VENICE – The Lido is in mourning for the death of Laura, a 3 year old girl, of Moldovan origin but resident on the island, already suffering from a tumor but crushed by Covid, the first pediatric patient in the Veneto region to die of the virus which raises the number of pediatric victims of the virus in Italy to 35. The death dates back to a few days ago in the Pediatric ward of the Padua hospital, on Christmas night, but the news only leaked yesterday, during the usual press point of the governor of Veneto Luca Zaia in Marghera. The news immediately spread to the Lido, where the family lives. The child, an only child, was baptized shortly after her birth in the Orthodox parish of Marghera, in the church dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
FATHER DIMITRI
It was Father Dimitri who administered the sacrament, the same one who, in these hours, knowing the family very well, tried to bring his comfort to his parents. The whole Moldovan community of Venice gathered around the family, but they closed in understandable secrecy, asking not to speak to anyone in this moment of great pain. The father works in the construction sector, while the mother is employed in the cleaning sector. It was decided that the funeral, with an Orthodox rite, will be celebrated on the Lido, probably asking for hospitality from a Catholic church.
BAPTIZED IN MARGHERA
Because the girl born in 2018 lived here. The date will be decided in the next few hours and in any case the ceremony will not be before next week. A large participation is also expected from the mainland. A humble family of hard workers, who, however, did everything for the child, despite the fact that from the first days of life, it was clear that they had to face a very serious disease that gives them a chance of survival.
ONLY DAUGHTER
She was an only child. The family was an example, even in suffering. Lead a very reserved life dividing between work and the commitment to follow the child on her path which involved long hospital stays and a few moments of serenity. The not recent little girl to walk, and not even to say a few words, was, however, a life lesson for those who have had the opportunity to meet her. Covid has given the final blow to a physicist and an already seriously debilitated clinical situation.
A SHOCKED COMMUNITY
«We are all very shocked – says Father Dimitri – we knew that the child had a very serious disease, but nevertheless the family never stopped hoping and trying all possible treatments to make her feel better, in the short time she had. A humble, normal family, an example of strength and attachment. I am happy to have baptized her, even if already three years ago, the signs of suffering were evident. What happened should make us adults reflect on the meaning of life and on how we commit, in everyday life, the time available, which is always a gift. The Moldovan community is moving to be close to a family so severely tried. But the whole island also expressed deep condolences and many announced their willingness to set up some solidarity initiatives to honor the memory of an unfortunate life, torn at a very young age by the virus. The modalities of a fundraiser will be announced in the coming days.