This week on The Italian Radio Hour - For this first episode of 2025, we want to share a very special story. Meet Gessica Mancini, mother of three from a small town in Tuscany, called Cerreto Guidi.
Ten years ago, Gessica was diagnosed with Parkinson. The medications that she was put on, would leave her sleepless at night, wondering what her life and the ones of their children would be with the progressions of her disease.
Instead of simply tossing and turning in bed, she decided to pick up an old hobby of hers: crocheting.
Cerreto Guidi is well known for its Nativity Set competition held every year, which features the most creative nativity sets, placed in the most unexpected locations. On suggestion of her best friend, Gessica entered the contest with her creations of the holy family, and when her sleepless nights almost made her quit, her daughter picked up mom's put away work and said: "Are you going to quit mom?".
That was enough of a motivation to pull thru the finish line and that perseverance paid off. Gessica won first prize.
Fast forwarding ten years later.
Gessica has continued crocheting and has managed to recreate the entire town of Cerreto Guidi, including the Medici Villa (7,000 steps!!!), buildings of the town in great details, and villagers, who actually feature the real people of the town. In addition, a group called "Le Dame dell'Unicinetto" was created, a group of women from all over that have also contributed to this amazing display with some of their work.
And how is Gessica's Parkinson now?
Watch the interview to find out!
Follow the FB page of Le Dame dell'Uncinetto to plan your own visit to this display that is open all year around and how you can support their mission.
https://www.facebook.com/ledamedelluncinetto/
Recommended to watch VIDEO INTERVIEW https://youtu.be/VlZjHnC9Wdk
