Professionals, family members, and caregivers living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis gathered at UNR to share knowledge and build support networks.

La Universidad Nacional de Rosario It hosted the “Rosario talks about ALS” conference, organized by the University’s Public Health Department, the Esteban Bullrich Foundation, and the Rare Disease Care Unit (CEMAFE) (Outpatient Medical Specialties Center of the Ministry of Health of Santa Fe).

The opening ceremony, held at the University's government headquarters, was led by Rector Franco Bartolacci, Marcela Delfino, Head of Institutional Development at the Esteban Bullrich Foundation, and Graciela Calgaro, Director of Promotion for the UNR Public Health Department.

“Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological disease that encompasses a complex universe of challenges, silences, struggles, and also courage and humanity. It is a call to look squarely at the fragility of life and discover the immense strength that dwells in those who journey through it and in those who accompany us every step of the way,” Calgaro said.

This event is born from a commitment to building knowledge, supporting the communities through science, health, and education, and discussing not only neurons and motor neurons but also rights, accessibility, research, support, and hope. The goal of this meeting is to build networks between professionals, researchers, family members, caregivers, and people living with ALS that can support, generate more tools and awareness, and improve quality of life.

The first talk, "Introduction to ALS," was led by Drs. Esteban Calabrese and Elisabet Bernaba. This was followed by a panel on "Interdisciplinary Approach to ALS" with kinesiologist Georgina Jimenez, visual rehabilitation specialist Bembo Gonzalo, speech therapist Belén Fadil Iturralde, biochemist Gianina De Marchi, nutritionist Emiliano Centeno, pain and palliative care specialist María Soledad Marchetti, and occupational therapist María Lucía Melchiori.

A panel on "Patient and Family Support" was also held, covering two areas: "Legal Framework and Rights of ALS Patients," led by Dr. Marianela Fernández Oliva, and "Psychological Support," led by psychologist Anahí Ascolani. Finally, Marcela Delfino and Fernando Dominguez gave a presentation on the Esteban Bullrich Foundation.

Journalist: Victoria Arrabal/Photographer: Gonzalo J. García