Title: The Colorful Champion of Florence
In the heart of Florence, Italy, the vibrant cityscape is adorned by an extraordinary vehicle and its driver - a London Cab painted with whimsical landscapes and fantastical creatures, its inside resembling a cozy living room. The cab's eccentric driver, Zia Caterina, has captured the attention of the locals and moreover, she's a special hero for some.
Zia Caterina, or Aunt Caterina, is no ordinary cab driver. Her cab stands out with its colorful exterior and the unique London Cab model, which Caterina describes as "like sitting in a living room, making you feel a bit at home" (Aussiedlerbote). The cab interior is reminiscent of Pippi Longstocking's Villa Kunterbunt, adorned with stuffed animals, gifts from her young passengers who are fighting for their lives.
Caterina's heartfelt mission was shaped by her partner's unselfish spirit. He was a cab driver too, but tragically passed away just over twenty years ago. In his last moments, he asked Caterina to take over his cab and keep its spirit alive. Honoring his wish, Zia Caterina became a beacon of hope and cheer for seriously ill children who rely on her to get to the Meyer Children's Hospital in Florence for treatment.
Caterina began her selfless mission by driving parents with their sick children to the hospital without charge. As the years passed, she faced financial constraints. Recognizing the enormous emotional and financial burden for some parents, she gradually began accepting donations to aid her trips. Eventually, the Onlus "Milano 25 ODV" was created to support her mission in memory of her late partner’s cab, named Milano 25.
Zia Caterina accepts children of all ages, often driving fathers and their young sons or daughters to hospital, sparing them long journeys unaccompanied. Her optimism and warm spirit is exemplified by her interactions with the sick children. Despite the adverse circumstances, she encourages her passengers to share laughter and moments of light-hearted joy.
There are times when Zia Caterina's mission extends far beyond transporting her young friends. While attending a doctor's appointment with one of her Supereroi, she joined the girl in laughter when the perplexed doctors couldn't provide a definitive diagnosis. Not only did she offer her support, but she also made it easier for the child to confront her fears and uncertainty.
Perhaps one of Zia Caterina's most remarkable acts was driving a group of children to the International Children's Cancer Congress in Berlin. She made the journey a unique and unforgettable experience for the children, and provided a platform where they could share stories and experiences with children from around the world.
Zia Caterina's selfless work and compassionate cab rides have garnered international attention. Her story inspired her to pen a book titled "Taxi Milano 25 - Wie Tante Caterina den Himmel auf die Erde bringt," (Echter Verlag) which shares her story and those of her Supereroi.
Fortunately for tourists visiting Florence, Zia Caterina invites passengers to take a ride in her colorful cab, sharing captivating tales and offering a rare experience you won't forget. You never know - you might meet one of her Supereroi on your journey.
