Maruzza Foundation Global

23/10/2026

Today marks the conclusion of the 7th Maruzza International Congress on Paediatric Palliative Care. These have been intense and deeply inspiring days, during which our community gathered around a shared goal: transforming care by discussing how what research evidences as the best therapeutic options can be transformed into clinical practice.
Once again, this Congress has shown how it is fundamental to break down barriers and create a space for authentic dialogue, where professionals with diverse expertise can share their know-how. We witnessed an extraordinary cross-pollination of practices and cultures, alongside an open exchange between different healthcare systems that deeply enriched our approach and understanding of paediatric palliative care delivery.
A heartfelt thank you to every speaker, participant and partner for energizing this debate with passion and generosity.
Our journey together does not end here: we hope to see you in 2028 for the 8th Maruzza Congress!

22/10/2026

Today, the congress gets into full swing with a day packed with insights for both the present day and the future! Among the most anticipated appointments is the Young Professional session entitled: "What Counts as Paediatric Palliative Care? Defining the Field for the Next Generation"
We will reflect on the boundaries, ethics, and evolution of paediatric palliative care through high-profile presentations:
🎤 Megan Doherty – Expanding the Scope: From Standards to Global Practice
🎤 Richard Hain – Rethinking “Palliative”: Ethical Complexity and the Concept of Harm
🎤 Nicholas Purol – Interprofessionalism and Power: Who Defines Palliative Care?
🏆 In the morning, Liana Bailey, winner of the Young Researcher Award, will share her work in the oral presentation:
📄 "Toward Improved Access: Lessons from Four Decades of Paediatric Palliative Care in Canada"
An opportunity to learn from hands-on experiences, redefine global standards and build a future where every child and their family can access the best care possible. 🩺✨

21/10/2026

We announce the official opening of the 7th Maruzza International Congress! 🌟

Our President, Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, kicked off the event by paying a special tribute to his father, Antonio Lefebvre d'Ovidio, and extending a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Franca Benini, Congress Chair, for her extraordinary work and lifelong dedication to pediatric palliative care.

A deeply moving moment during the opening ceremony was dedicated to Prof. Marcello Orzalesi, who passed away in May, honored in memory with the Ventafridda Award.

We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the Vlcek Foundation and the Boulle Group for their invaluable support in making this international gathering possible.

Our hope for the coming days is that they will be filled with inspiration and leave a lasting impact on our shared work in supporting children and families facing incurable and high-complexity illnesses.

To the more than 400 participants joining us from around the world: have a wonderful congress and a fruitful week! ✨

20/10/2026

The programs are printed, delegate bags are ready and badges are stacked in alphabetical order!

We are ready 🏁 to welcome the international pediatric palliative care community! From tomorrow, for the next three days, the 7th International Maruzza Congress on Paediatric Palliative Care will be held in Rome; an extraordinary event dedicated to knowledge sharing and networking for nearly 500 professionals from around the globe! 🌍

The theme of this year's Congress is 'Bridging Care: From Research to Clinical Practice': translating scientific evidence into daily clinical practice to provide the best possible care options for children and their families. Watch this space for updates during the Congress!

11/10/2026

🌍 Once again, we are taking part in the ICPCN’s fantastic international campaign: !🎩

We want to celebrate the many different “hats” each of us wears every day when caring for a child living with a life-limiting illness; whether as a parent, doctor, nurse, educator or volunteer. ❤️

We stand alongside the international community in calling for Global access to Children’s Palliative Care!

Around the world, millions of children need paediatric palliative care but cannot access it. This is also the case in Italy.

We must close the gap and ensure that every child with palliative care who can receive it, wherever they are.💙

10/10/2026

At least 10% of the global need for palliative care involves children.
Over 80% of those children live in low- and middle-income countries where pain medicines in child-appropriate formulations are rarely available, and specialist paediatric palliative care barely exists.
A child in pain deserves relief as urgently as any adult. Age is never a reason to wait.
This , we are calling for paediatric palliative care to be seen, funded, and integrated into national health systems everywhere.

14/09/2026

❤️ Registration for the 7th Maruzza International Congress on Paediatric Palliative Care is officially CLOSED!

This incredible response is a powerful sign of a growing community committed to learning, sharing and improving care for the most vulnerable.

We are proud to bring this community together.

We look forward to welcoming you to Rome! 🇮🇹

11/09/2026

Our Scientific Director and expert guide .. Franca Benini

Franca Benini, fondatrice della Casa del Bambino di Padova, a fine ottobre va in pensione. Negli anni Ottanta ha rivoluzionato la gestione del dolore dei piccoli inguaribili. «Non è stato un lavoro ma un insieme di obiettivi per costruire ciò che non c’era»

11/08/2026

What is the EPEC-Pediatrics Experience?

It is more than a course—it's a transformative learning journey.

🎓 Develop advanced teaching and leadership skills in paediatric palliative care
✨ Learn from internationally recognised experts
🤝 Collaborate with passionate colleagues from around the world
💬 Engage in interactive case discussions, role-play, and small-group learning
🌍 Join a global network committed to improving the lives of children with serious illness and their families
The EPEC-Pediatrics experience equips you with the knowledge, confidence, and connections to make a lasting impact—wherever you practice.

Join us in Rome for EPEC-Pediatrics Level 2 (Train-the-Trainer) and Level 3 (Professional Development Workshop).

Click on the link to register: www.childrenpalliativecarecongress.org/congress-2026/epec-pediatrics/epec-pediatrics-train-the-trainer/

07/08/2026

📣 Adolescent Palliative Care: Support, Communication & the transition journey

📣 Adolescent Palliative Care: Support, Communication & the Transition Journey

Adolescence can be a challenging time for anyone, but for young people living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, the challenges can be even greater.

How can we best support and communicate with adolescents living with conditions appropriate for palliative care? And how can we help them navigate the often-complex transition from paediatric to adolescent and ultimately adult palliative care?

Join us for the third of our quarterly webinars as we explore these important questions with two experienced practitioners:

🎙️ Tracy Brand
Medical Social Worker & Director, Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children

🎙️ Dr Jivanesh Chetty
MBBCh, PGDip HIV Management & PGDip Interdisciplinary Pain Management

📅 Wednesday, 19 August 2026
⏰ 18h30–20h00 (SAST)
💻 Online via Zoom

Whether you work with adolescents, support families, or are interested in improving palliative care for young people, we’d love you to join us.

👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/3RNpepm

Please share this invitation with colleagues who may be interested.