On September 12, the return of “Cartellino Rosso alla SLA” takes center stage—a campaign born to spotlight Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and, above all, the people affected by it and their families.
The Importance of Multidisciplinary Care
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to the loss of motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. The progressive decline in motor function can affect mobility, communication, and swallowing, and as the disease advances, even respiratory function. The course and clinical manifestations can vary significantly from person to person. The progression of the disease therefore creates evolving care needs that may change over time, requiring constant adaptation of interventions and supportive devices.
The complexity of ALS makes continuous, multidisciplinary care essential, pairing neurological expertise with rehabilitation, respiratory, nutritional, and psychological support, alongside social and caregiving assistance.
In this journey, the role of family and caregivers is central, and having access to a supportive network can concretely improve the quality of care and everyday life.
It is precisely on this dimension that Cartellino Rosso alla SLA aims to intervene.
The Commitment of the Cartellino Rosso alla SLA Association
The Cartellino Rosso alla SLA Association began its activities in 2017 and officially launched in 2022 at the behest of a group of friends, in memory of Fabrizio Del Sante, known to all as “Bicio.” Its mission is twofold: to raise awareness about ALS and to provide tangible support to people living with the disease and their families.
Over the years, this commitment has translated into concrete actions. To date, nearly €200,000 has been donated to families affected by ALS, helping to meet needs that can be particularly burdensome and that often extend beyond the purely medical dimension. (Approximately $210,000 USD)
Among the association’s objectives is the creation of a listening and assistance center for families, envisioned as a point of reference for patients and caregivers: a space where people can find listening ears, guidance, and support in facing the various challenges that accompany the disease journey.
Another project involves forming a group of physiotherapists who can provide home-based care. In ALS, rehabilitation can be a significant component of care, delivered through personalized interventions aimed at preserving as much autonomy, comfort, and quality of life as possible.
The aim is to build a stable network where the association, health professionals, patients, and caregivers can collaborate. Because in ALS, care cannot be limited to managing clinical aspects alone but must also take into account the family, psychological, social, and caregiving dimensions.
The September 12 event is therefore a call not to turn away. Giving ALS a red card means raising awareness about the disease, but more importantly standing beside those who live with it every day.
Raising awareness, listening, supporting, and building a network: this is the challenge Cartellino Rosso alla SLA seeks to advance, turning solidarity into tangible presence and real help.
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