This Friday, November 29, the Telethon activities will be officially launched across the department. Each year, nearly 600,000 euros are added to the tens of millions of euros needed to finance research projects on genetic diseases. The money is also used to help on a daily basis and support patients mainly suffering from myopathy.
Almost everywhere across the department, for an evening or more, energies and good will come together for a good cause. Friday, November 29, the activities organized for the Telethon begin, even if the launch in Laguiole, as originally planned, will ultimately not take place. “And we are certain that Aveyron, this year again, will fulfill its contract,” rejoices Michel Allot, the departmental president of the association.
“We have already signed a little more than 160 contracts, we will reach 170 very soon for just as many events,” he continues.
Generosity in all territories
And the Aveyronnais are known for their great generosity. “Proportionally to the number of inhabitants, we are the first department in France in terms of donations, assures Michel Allot. On average, Aveyron residents give around fifty euros, compared to a little more than twenty nationally. is not an end in itself but it also shows everyone's involvement in this event” and this, in all territories, with a burst of donations in rural areas.
In Martiel for example, “a play is performed by the inhabitants of the village. And this evening brings everyone together and every year, more than €10,000 is raised thanks to the meal which is organized nearby. And we have many examples of the same kind in Aveyron”, alongside the traditional quines and raffles, associations which mobilize, firefighters who open their fire stations for a day. “Many municipalities are playing the game, not to mention all the associations which are taking advantage of the opportunity to organize a festive moment where everyone can get together.”
On average, nearly €600,000 is raised each year in the department to finance research. “Certain cancers are being cured, and great advances have been made in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” assures Michel Allot. “This represents decades of effort, but it is possible to get there thanks to funding from research When the association was created in 1987, things were asked simply by the parents of sick children. The simplicity of our thinking, since I have been part of the association since its beginnings, is what makes it possible today. 'today its success. We operate in a logical and coherent manner.”
This 2024 edition of the Telethon should therefore be, as a year, “a strong moment of sharing and communion. And we really need it during this period”, slips Michel Allot.
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