The IDIBELL Neurological Diseases and Neurogenetics research group was visited yesterday by a delegation of the Swim for ELA association, who wanted to know first-hand the research carried out in the laboratory.
On behalf of Swim for ELA came Siscu Morell (treasurer), Jordi Cervera (secretary), Sisca Guasch (vocal), Dani Rossinés and Joana Bono, both public relations of the association; and were received by a large representation of the IDIBELL research group and the care team of the Functional Motor Neurone Disease Unit of Bellvitge Hospital, led by Drs. Toni Martínez-Yélamos and Mònica Povedano.
During the visit, the researchers explained all the basic, translational and applied research projects being carried out on the Campus to tackle ALS, and the association handed over the solidarity cheques corresponding to the proceeds of the charity initiatives of the last months for a total of 61,044.50 euros. “Without your collaboration we would not have been able to set up the research laboratory or to promote the new projects, which are already beginning to yield results,” Dr Povedano thanked. And she continued: “Your contribution goes far beyond the economic one, knowing that you support us gives us energy to continue researching to find the molecular bases, biomarkers and new treatments for this disease”.
The association, created in 2022 and driven by a family affected by ALS and other people very sensitive to the cause, has been carrying out solidarity activities especially in the province of Tarragona as the Swim for ALS crossing, concerts, races, dinners, as well as other alliances to get donations and then deliver them to researchers and organizations related to ALS, such as the Miquel Valls Foundation or IDIBELL itself.
The association is currently immersed in the organisation of the third edition of the aforementioned charity swim of the same name, an open water swimming event that will take place on 11 May. The 23-kilometre team swim will start in Calafat and go as far as Cambrils, which, for yet another year, will become the capital of the fight against ALS. Each team, made up of between four and six members, will have to keep at least one member swimming at all times, in a non-competitive relay race, where the winner is the one who raises the most funds for research. Last year they managed to raise a total of 37,205 euros.
The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) is a biomedical research center created in 2004. It is participated by the Bellvitge University Hospital and the Viladecans Hospital of the Catalan Institute of Health, the Catalan Institute of Oncology, the University of Barcelona and the City Council of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.
IDIBELL is a member of the Campus of International Excellence of the University of Barcelona HUBc and is part of the CERCA institution of the Generalitat de Catalunya. In 2009 it became one of the first five Spanish research centers accredited as a health research institute by the Carlos III Health Institute. In addition, it is part of the “HR Excellence in Research” program of the European Union and is a member of EATRIS and REGIC. Since 2018, IDIBELL has been an Accredited Center of the AECC Scientific Foundation (FCAECC).