Margherita Rebuffoni opened her heart on March 1, 2025, during her appearance on the popular Italian show Verissimo, hosted by Silvia Toffanin. Rebuffoni, the mother of the late journalist Nadia Toffa, shared poignant memories of the last months of her daughter’s life, who tragically passed away on August 13, 2019, due to glioblastoma, a severe form of brain cancer.
Reflecting on those difficult times, Margherita emphasized the depth of their bond, saying, "It was beautiful living with her. She shared countless details about her life, her childhood, and her adolescence. It was a gift she gave me." Her experiences during Nadia's illness inspired Margherita to publish a book titled "Non perder tempo a piangere," where she recounts not only their shared moments but also the heartbreak of losing her daughter.
Nadia faced her illness with remarkable strength, but as Margherita recalled, there were moments filled with pain and sorrow. "She was pale and frail; I felt her breathing fading away. I understood she wanted to leave, but she would always tell me, 'Mom, the only thing I don’t want to do is leave you.' So, I had to say to her: 'Go, my darling, Mom is at peace.' And she flew away, just likethat,” Margherita remembered with tears.
The discussion highlighted not just Nadia's struggles but also her vibrant spirit. "Even during her illness, she had incredible strength, always cheerful and smiling. Just before leaving, she told me, 'Mom, please never cry because life is precious and should be lived.'" These words resonate deeply with Margherita as she continues to navigate life without her beloved daughter.
Sitting on the Verissimo stage, Margherita also spoke of how she and her husband have been creating important initiatives through the foundation they established posthumously to honor Nadia's legacy and contribute to cancer research. "We have put everything we had toward the foundation for research, and we’re doing truly significant work to assist those who are struggling. My husband and I are always on the move and we are happy this way."
Margherita shared with the audience how she feels Nadia’s presence every day. "I feel her close to me always, even when there are difficult moments. And even if it’s been five years since she left us, I know she’s still here with me." This sentiment was echoed when she recounted her singular dream of Nadia, where her daughter comforted her saying, "Mom, stop it now; I am your big sister, keep going on." A moment of solace transformed by reassurance for Margherita, who then felt renewed.
Her words were heavy with the weight of loss but also filled with the light of their shared love. "I helped her become an angel. She was beautiful, pale but beautiful. It’s been very painful, something I still can’t process,” Margherita shared emotionally.
Dive deep and intimate, the program allowed viewers to grasp Margherita's enduring love and resilience. She detailed the chaotic moments during Nadia’s last days, memories tinged with joyous reflection. "During her nights, she would write instead of sleep. Seeing her recall her life stories was the most beautiful thing for me. She had great faith and would often tell me to pray during the hardest times, which brought us comfort." Margherita's memories cast light on their bond and Nadia’s unwavering spirit, which remains alive through her mother’s continued advocacy for cancer awareness.
With tears, laughter, and powerful revelations, the segment touched hearts and prompted discussions on loss, legacy, and hope. Margherita’s commitment to honoring Nadia’s memory through active engagement with cancer research will surely inspire many, reflecting Nadia’s vibrant spirit as she continues to be the beacon of light and motivation for so many, reinforcing the idea to cherish every moment of life.
“I will never stop, not in her name,” Margherita affirmed as she concluded her heartfelt commentary, leaving viewers with the message of strength, love, and enduring memory.