The Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Half Marathon, against forgetfulness in 2016
It is estimated that 15,000 people suffer from Alzheimer in the city of Valencia and 50,000 in the whole region. These are the latest figures provided by the Alzheimer Family Association of Valencia (AFAV), the charity chosen by the Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Half Marathon in 2016. This year is particularly significant for the charity since they have been fighting the disease for 25 years now.
AFAV was founded in 1991 when a group of people gathered together so as to help each other face the degenerative mental illnesses of their loved ones. Ever since, sanitary professionals and even many sufferers have become part of AFAV in order to help families who are affected by Alzheimer. Currently, the charity has around 3,000 members and provides assistance to more than 8,000 people a year.
Psychological, social, medical and legal support; domestic assistance; training courses for volunteers, assistants and relatives; management of a day care centre; and different therapies –cognitive stimulation, psychomotor education and musical, occupational or reminiscence therapies– are some of the services that AFAV offers. These aim at fighting a disease that is still unknown to most of the society and scientific community.
The consequences of Alzheimer, disability and dependency, the research needed to treat it and its potential cure require a large amount of resources. That is why the Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Half Marathon has chosen AFAV in its 26th edition and, among other initiatives, it will donate €1 for every runner that reaches the finish line on the 23rd of October. In addition, every runner has the option to make an extra donation of €3 to AFAV during their personal registration process.
