World Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Day is observed every year on the 21st of June. It is an international awareness day for this incurable disease, aiming to highlight the medical and social needs of those libing with it. This year, Mijas will not be standing on the sidelines; a major charity event has been organised for this Saturday, 20th of June, to raise funds for the fight against the disease. The mayoress, Ana Mata (PP), presented the event alongside Juan Carrasco, president of the Benalela Association, and the councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP).

“With this initiative, our aim is to raise funds for the vital research that a disease like ALS requires”, said the mayoress of Mijas, who stressed that “it usually manifests between the ages of 40 and 70 and carries a life expectancy of just three to four years. This is why research is crucial to improve patients' quality of life. Society as a whole must join the fight; I am certain experts are working on it, but they often lack the resources needed for the exclusive dedication that a condition like ALS deserves”.

“I would like to thank the mayoress and her entire team for opening the doors of the Town Hall to us and helping us organise the event, because Mijas is a shining example of a supporting community”, said the association’s president, Juan Carrasco.

A giant ribbon

The event, taking place this Saturday 20th at 18:30 in the La Cala boulevard car park, will feature the creation of a 100-metre puff pastry ribbon filled with semi-cold cream. It will be prepared by the Salvador and Tejeros bakeries, alongside the company Vandemoortele, who are all partnering in the event.

 

In addition, there will be a stall selling drinks to attendees. All proceeds from the pastry slices and drinks will go entirely towards research. To create a festive atmosphere and attract a large crowd, Víctor Rojas’ dance group will perform on a stage set up for the occasion.

“As well as raising funds, the goal is to raise public awareness and encourage people to support those affected by this disease”, Mata added. The association and the Mijas Town Hall therefore invite residents to take part. “We want to appeal to the community's conscience and social responsibility to join this event, which aims to allocate 100% of its proceeds to vital research”, the mayoress concluded.

ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The condition causes muscle atrophy, eventually leaving patients completely immobile and unable to perform basic tasks such as eating, speaking, or breathing, while keeping their mental and cognitive faculties intact.

ALS affects around 4,000 people in Spain, with 900 new cases diagnosed each year. The average age of onset is between 40 and 70, making it the most common motor neuron disease in adults. After Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, ALS is the third most common neurodegenerative disease in Spain. Although the number of people living with the condition is relatively low, it carries a very high mortality rate.

 

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