Days to Live Goes International
An afternoon on the Italian Riviera with Francesca
Yesterday, under the golden light of a late winter’s afternoon on the Italian Riviera, we made our first Days to Liveinternational photoshoot. It was a moment as radiant and serene as the setting itself, made even more profound by our subject, Francesca, who held a sunflower—the vibrant symbol of resilience, hope, and renewal that defines the Days to Live project.
Francesca’s journey is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for strength, acceptance, and transformation. Diagnosed with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Francesca’s life changed in ways she never imagined. A promising graduate in physical education, she suddenly found herself questioning her path, her future, and the life she had envisioned. Yet instead of retreating, Francesca chose to explore, flying across the world to Australia and London to seek adventure, clarity, and perspective.
Her return to Italy in 2019 marked a turning point. Faced with worsening symptoms, she made the life-saving decision to have a defibrillator implanted—a “parachute” as she calls it, a safety net that would one day save her life. But Francesca’s story doesn’t end with survival; it begins there. She turned her experience into a source of strength for others, creating an Instagram page, @francesca_livingwiththesicd, to share her story and inspire patients and families facing similar journeys.
Living Fully, Despite the Challenges
When I asked Francesca, “What does living life to its fullest mean to you?” her answer was deeply reflective:
“Having a heart disease, I’m learning to live my life with the disease without letting it ruin my life. I'm trying to get the most out of every day and being present for my family and friends, which sometimes can be difficult because of the tiredness and the limitations I have. Things that have changed for me include when my friends go out, I go to bed; imagining a holiday, I need to check how high it is and such things. We went to Columbia last year, and we couldn’t do a hike because of me as it was too steep, and that made me feel very bad—not for me, but for the others. You feel sorry for the ones around you, but it’s not your fault. Today, I’d like to keep my energies up so I can enjoy every single day as much as I can.”
Later, Francesca reflected further:
“Living life to the fullest for me means finding strength after moments of fragility, seeing each day as a new opportunity. After the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the episode of atrial fibrillation, and the ongoing healing process, I’ve learned that we must work not only on our physical health but also on our mental well-being. Challenges make life richer in experiences, with the hope to teach us to ride the wave of serenity.”
A Portrait of Resilience
Photographing Francesca was more than capturing an image—it was witnessing the embodiment of resilience, love, and acceptance. The sunflower she held, glowing in the soft afternoon light, mirrored her spirit: vibrant, enduring, and reaching toward the sun despite the shadows she’s navigated.
Her story reminds us that love, in its most profound form, often begins with self-acceptance. Francesca has faced her diagnosis not by succumbing to its weight but by using it to inspire and uplift others. She balances the physical and emotional challenges with grace, choosing to embrace the beauty of what remains possible rather than dwell on what has been lost.
A Global Call to Live Fully
As we expand Days to Live to international shores, Francesca’s story serves as a cornerstone of what this project represents: the universal pursuit of living fully, even in the face of profound challenges. Her voice joins a growing chorus of individuals who, through their vulnerability and strength, show us what love truly looks like—love for oneself, for others, and for life itself.
Francesca’s journey is a reminder to all of us: resilience is not about denying the difficulties we face but about finding purpose and joy despite them. It’s about showing up for ourselves and for those we love, even when the road ahead feels steep.
We’re honored to have Francesca as part of Days to Live. Her light will continue to inspire as we document stories of love, renewal, and the human spirit around the world.
Let Francesca’s story encourage you to ask yourself: What does living life to its fullest mean to me, today?
:: Rand