Associazione Vela Onlus

Vela, partner of C.I.G.N.O. activities, was born on 14 January 1998 from cancer patients and their families who drew inspiration from a painting on the wall of the hospital's oncology DH in Ovada, depicting a stormy sea with the words “in the storm we learn to sail”. The Association was born as a self-mutual-aid association but gradually expanded, growing over time it has received attention at the level as well as local also national. There are two frameworks: a more social and public one that carries on the battles in the institutional system thanks to its action in FAVO (National Federation voluntary associations in oncology, of which he is a founding member) and European Cancer Patients coalition, the other more individualized which faces the daily problems and difficulties of cancer patients and their relatives. The integration of the two souls resulted in the strength of Vela, that as a small association of a small provincial center, knew and wanted to “throw the heart over the obstacle” as Baden Powell told. Vela thanks to its activity and its role in the national network of FAVO is recognized by the National Ministry of Internal affairs for the volunteering of the national civil service.