The Rotary club of Sassuolo supports research into childhood cancer, with fund raising activities in particular for the paediatric oncology unit at Sant’Orsola hospital in Bologna, coordinated by research scientist, professor Roberto Tonelli, (Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Bologna University).

Childhood tumours are the leading cause of death in children under 15: in Italy every year there are 1500 new cases (12,000 in Europe) and sadly 600 children die of cancer every year in our country (nearly 2 a day).

Roberto Tonelli’s research has led to the development of a drug that directly targets the cancer gene and not proteins, and results so far are very encouraging.

In recognition of his commitment and dedication, Tonelli was awarded the “PAUL HARRIS FELLOW“, a great Rotarian award.

Claudio Corrado, Roberto Tonelli, Davide Guidi, Carlo Pietro Barbieri and Giordano Giubertoni