In a deeply personal and poignant revelation, Maura Materazzi, wife of former football agent Matteo Materazzi, has shared the harrowing journey her family is enduring as Matteo battles an aggressive form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). At just 49 years old, Matteo, brother to World Cup-winning defender Marco Materazzi and son of former coach Beppe, faces a relentless neurodegenerative disease that has rapidly diminished his physical capabilities, yet strengthened an unbreakable family resolve.
The Unforeseen Onset of a Cruel Disease
Matteo`s struggle began subtly, cloaked initially in what appeared to be severe depression, leading him to withdraw from social life. This period, doctors would later suggest, might have been an insidious prelude to the motor neuron disease. The physical symptoms followed: a noticeable limp, frequent falls, and a peculiar, robotic gait, all accompanied by profound fatigue. Despite these alarming signs, Matteo, like many, resisted seeking professional medical assessment. It was an unexpected encounter on the sidelines of his son Gianfilippo`s youth football match – a tournament organized by the Vialli and Mauro Foundation – that catalyzed the critical turning point.
Observing Matteo’s faltering balance and a sudden fall, former Juventus star Claudio Marchisio intervened, gently inquiring about his health. Marchisio’s concern and suggestion to seek an opinion proved pivotal. The Materazzi family was connected with Professor Sabatelli at Rome`s Nemo Center, a leading institution in neurological disorders. The diagnosis of ALS was swift, almost tragically immediate, underscoring the severe progression already underway.
A Race Against Time and Unprecedented Costs
The news plunged the family into a week of profound grief. “We cried for a whole week, day and night,” Maura recounted. Yet, the despair quickly gave way to a pragmatic determination. Matteo, described as an optimist by nature, has witnessed a brutal acceleration of the disease, losing the use of his legs and arms within months, now confined to a wheelchair, with only limited hand movement remaining. The reality is stark: half of all ALS patients succumb to the disease within three years.
However, the Materazzi family holds onto a singular, ambitious hope: a personalized ASO (Antisense Oligonucleotide) therapy designed specifically for the rare genetic mutation afflicting Matteo. This bespoke treatment represents the cutting edge of medical science but comes with an exorbitant price tag – a target of $1.5 million. Maura has launched a fundraiser, which swiftly gathered €200,000, thanks in part to a single, generous €50,000 donation from an anonymous figure within the football world. The family is in direct contact with Columbia University and Dr. Shneider, a pioneer in this highly specialized field.
“Our goal is to save my husband`s life and the lives of those who will face the same illness in the future,” Maura emphasized. “The challenge is immense: the protein accumulating in his neuronal cells, causing toxicity, is also crucial for cell function, making a cure exceptionally difficult to research. We need $1.5 million, and crucially, time. A year, perhaps, but who knows if we`ll have it.”
Brotherhood Reborn Amidst Adversity
Beyond the medical battle, Matteo`s illness has fostered an unexpected but deeply meaningful family reconciliation. For years, Matteo and his brother Marco, known for his formidable presence on the football field, endured a “complicated relationship.” However, the diagnosis shattered any remaining estrangement. Maura confirmed that the brothers now speak daily, Marco offering unwavering support within his capabilities. “Marco is doing what he can, we can`t forget he has his own family. But he is by Matteo`s side, as are all of us. And Matteo is incredibly happy about this.” It`s a testament to how profound crises can mend even the most fractured bonds.
The Shadow of Genetics and the Light of Hope
The Materazzi family`s fight also carries a sobering genetic dimension. Matteo’s two sons, Geremia (18) and Gianfilippo (16), face a 15-20% chance of inheriting the same rare mutation. This stark reality adds another layer of urgency to the family`s quest for a cure, not just for Matteo but for future generations, transforming a private tragedy into a fight with broader implications for ALS research globally.
Murray Blackwood