The ninth Solidarity March for Memory in La Rinconada brought together hundreds of locals between the Cultural Centre of La Villa and the park of Los Pintores. The mayor, Javier Fernández, announced the signing of the contract to draft the project for the new cognitive stimulation centre.
The Alzheimer Association of La Vega (AFA La Vega) celebrated this Sunday the ninth edition of its Solidarity March for Memory, an event that gathered hundreds of residents from La Rinconada and sold around 3,500 solidarity entries. The event is part of the commemoration of World Alzheimer’s Day, which is celebrated every September 21.
The route started from the Cultural Centre of La Villa and concluded at the park of Los Pintores, with a banner reading 'Your well-being, our greatest commitment'. The procession was led by the mayor, Javier Fernández, alongside a representation of the Local Government, and included the presence of the Health Delegate, Rafael Fernández.
At the end of the walk, the vice president of AFA La Vega, Rocío Navarro, highlighted the impact that the disease has on the entire family environment and the need to maintain social awareness.
“Seeing more than 3,500 people supporting our cause fills us with emotion and gives us strength to keep going. This disease affects not only those who suffer from it but also their entire environment; feeling the support of our community shows us that we are not alone on this journey”
The Health Delegate, Rafael Fernández, was responsible for reading the manifesto for World Alzheimer’s Day, which this year carries the slogan 'NO is no longer an answer'. In his speech, he denounced the passivity and administrative hurdles that, in his view, patients continue to face despite recent scientific advances.
The municipal official called for improvements in funding and access to pharmaceutical innovation, promotion of early diagnosis, reforms in dependency and social health assistance, and comprehensive recognition for caregiver families.
The mayor, Javier Fernández, thanked the municipality for its response and recalled the origins of the group.
“Today La Rinconada has once again shown that it always responds when called upon. Thank you all!”
“Caring for those who cared for us for so many years. That is what has united us today in this solidarity march”
The mayor also had words for the founders: Rocío and Berta, who began by caring for their relatives in a home and today coordinate an association that serves hundreds of families. At this point, he announced a decisive step to expand care.
“The Centre has become too small for us. Our commitment: a new and larger centre to provide better quality care to those in need. Today I can say that we have signed the contract to draft the project for the rehabilitation and energy improvement works of the San Francisco Javier Building where the new, larger centre will be located”
The day concluded with a draw for a voucher of 150 euros redeemable at Deportes San José, one of the event's collaborators, and the release of purple balloons in memory of those who have passed away from the disease.
The new cognitive stimulation centre will be located in the San Francisco Javier Building, a property that will be rehabilitated and energy improved. The signing of the contract to draft the project is the first administrative step before the works begin, the schedule of which has yet to be disclosed.
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