‘The apple of Aism’ is back, over 2 million fruits to fight multiple sclerosis

An apple for the fight against multiple sclerosis. October 4th – the day of the Gift, the feast of Saint Francis of ‘Assisi, patron saint of Italy, established to celebrate the values ​​of solidarity and subsidiarity – ‘Aism’s apple’the information, awareness and fundraising initiative that will return on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October. With over 2 million apples, 5 thousand Italian squares are colored red, yellow and green. The 14 thousand Aism volunteers distributed them throughout Italy.

For a donation of 10 euros it is possible to book your own 1.8 kg bag of green, yellow and red apples, of the granny smith, golden and noared varieties by contacting the Aism provincial section of your city, the list of which can be consulted on http://www.aism.it/mela. This year ‘The apple of Aism’ celebrates its 30th anniversary. Born in 1994, this event, promoted by the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Association (Aism) has raised over 61 million euros, supporting research and services for people with multiple sclerosis. Today the event continues to fund research and enhance the services necessary for those living with multiple sclerosis, NMOSD, MOGAD and related pathologies.

“Thanks to new therapies, newly diagnosed people can look to the future without fear of having to change their life plans due to disability. The new highly effective therapies are safe, well tolerated and must be used early – states Marco Salvetti, Director of Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs of the Sapienza University and of Neurology of the Sant’Andrea University Hospital of Rome – In Italy, our national network of clinical centers guarantees a more homogeneous quality of care across the territory than to other diseases”.

“This network, together with our research centers – adds Salvetti – allows advanced sharing of clinical, biological and resonance data for studies on the causes and personalization of treatments, a feat that few other nations can achieve. Furthermore, the growing The role of patients in guiding research is crucial to direct studies towards real needs and obtain rapid results. Our goals for the future are ambitious: we want to identify the causes of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum diseases in order to achieve treatments. definitive, and find therapies capable of stopping the progression and reducing disability. We have achieved concrete results and eliminated the fear in those who fall ill today.

Testimonial of the event, which takes place under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, chef Alessandro Borghese who recalls: “For 10 years I have been alongside Aism to fight multiple sclerosis and related pathologies. Only scientific research can help us to find a definitive cure. This is why it is important to participate in ‘The Apple of Aism’: cooking is an act of love, just like solidarity.” At his side, his godmother Antonella Ferrari, actress and writer, the dancer Ivan Cottini and many other friends and supporters will join the cause, making this edition even more special.

Multiple sclerosis, which mostly manifests itself with movement, vision and balance disorders, following a different course from person to person, is a major health and social emergency. In Italy, every year, 3,600 people are affected by MS, with a new diagnosis every 3 hours. Of the over 140 thousand people with MS, 10% are children and 50% are young people under 40. There are twice as many women as men. Multiple sclerosis is the leading cause of neurological disability in young adults after trauma. Italy – reports a note – is a country at medium-high risk of multiple sclerosis, with an average social cost of the disease of over 6 billion euros per year. Among the pathologies related to MS there are neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), which has a pattern of health and social care needs and interventions similar to MS. There are between 1,500 and 2,000 cases of neuromyelitis optica in Italy.

The initiative is supported by the Mediolanum EF Foundation, Aeroporti Uniti per Aism and Assaeroporti, the Italian Association of Airport Managers, together with the airports of Alghero, Bergamo, Bologna, Cagliari, Catania and Comiso, Cuneo, Florence and Pisa, Forlì, Genoa, Milan Linate and Milan Malpensa, Naples and Salerno, Olbia, Palermo, Pescara, Turin, Trapani and Aeroporti 2030, the Italian Association representing the airport managers of Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino, Venice, Verona, Treviso.