Cartagena to host Solidarity Regatta for World Multiple Sclerosis Day

The Costa Calida city of Cartagena is showing its solidarity in time for World Multiple Sclerosis Day with a special sporting event, organised by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of Cartagena and Region (or EMACC) and the City Council. The fourth edition of the Solidarity Regatta, as part of the Solidarity Day programme, is set to take place on May 30 and May 31 at the Los Nietos Nautical Club.

An established sporting event to rally behind Cartagena neighbours with Multiple Sclerosis

The Solidarity Regatta, now an established event in the coastal city, is one of the largest awareness-spreading activities for this degenerative disease, and helps to promote citizen participation, all with a charitable purpose at its centre. The event aims to raise awareness in society about Multiple Sclerosis and raise funds to continue offering comprehensive care to those in the Region of Murcia who suffer from it, as well as ALS and other related diseases.

This event will include sailing and rowing activities, and is expected to attract both seasoned athletes in the sport as well as newcomers curious about the event. 

EMACC is a non-profit organisation based in Cartagena that has helped to develop social, psychological, neuropsychological and rehabilitation programmes since 1997. In addition to these nearly three decades of charitable work, the organisation also helps to spread awareness about these diseases and supports families that are navigating life after diagnosis.

The ‘disease of a thousand faces’: What is Multiple Sclerosis and how can it be treated?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, or central nervous system. In patients with the disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, or the protective layer that insulates the nerve fibers, which interrupts the transmission of nerve signals.

The disease’s effects can vary wildly from patient to patient, leading to its nickname ‘the disease of a thousand faces.’ However, common symptoms can include numbness or tingling, motor disorders, visual disturbances, and sensory problems.

While there is currently no cure for Multiple Sclerosis, numerous treatments exist to help any discomfort felt by the patients and improve quality of life, as well as quell flare-ups and accelerate recovery from them.

Once more, Cartagena is showing its commitment to standing in solidarity with the residents in the Region of Murcia who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis or other degenerative neurological diseases.