Last week, Dr. Claude Jean Mariottini was awarded the insignia of the National Order of Merit. The ceremony, presided over by Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes Department, took place in the presence of many local dignitaries. This event highlighted the cardiologist’s commitment to public health and his humanitarian efforts.
Dr. Mariottini followed a path guided by the family and humanist values passed down by his parents. A graduate of the Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine, he has been practicing for more than twenty years at the Arnault Tzanck Institute in Saint-Laurent-du-Var. But his commitment extends beyond the hospital walls. Deeply affected by a tragedy early in his career, he co-founded the association “20,000 Lives.”
This association promotes life-saving techniques and equips communities with defibrillators. Supported by charitable concerts with his band “The Low Budget Men”, their actions have raised funds to educate thousands of people. “Today, we honor a man whose career is a model of generosity and dedication. As a doctor, he has saved thousands of lives, and through his initiatives, he has saved thousands more,” stated Charles Ange Ginésy, who also highlighted the strong friendship he shares with Dr. Mariottini.
A tribute to a life dedicated to health and mutual assistance
In his speech, Dr. Mariottini thanked his loved ones and mentioned the influence of his ancestors, masons, shepherds, and café waiters. “This medal I wear today, I wish to share it with all of you here tonight, as well as with those whom I think of but who are no longer with us.”
He shared a message with his children: “I would also like to convey a message of life to my children, Maude, Gauthier, and Mathilde, who are the apple of my eye. I am happy to see them forging beautiful paths and flourishing in their lives. Through them, I want to pass on this timeless thought of Seneca: ‘It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, but it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.’ So, dare everything. Never let your dreams slip away.”
The ceremony concluded on an optimistic note, summarized by this phrase dear to the doctor: “Finally, if there were to be only one phrase to sum it all up, to connect The Low Budget Men with the ‘20,000 Lives’ association, it would be this: ‘Save lives! Let’s save lives!’”
