Two teams “competing”, from Milan to Genoa, by bicycle, from today to 8 September. It is the Italian stage of the “Country 2 Country 4 Cancer”, the cycling relay race of solidarity now in its fifth edition, aimed at employees of Bristol Myers Squibb in Europe and aimed at raising funds for cancer patients, destined for European organizations that are part of of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
The numbers of the relay
The European relay started on September 3 and will end on September 20: almost 3,000 kilometers traveled by more than 150 company employees in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium and the United Kingdom. For Italy, the two teams involved 24 people. “This year the proceeds from the Italian stage of the ‘Country 2 Country 4 Cancer’ will go to AIL (Italian Association against Leukemia, Lymphomas and Myeloma) and, in particular, to support the Home Care Project”, Says Emma Charles, General Manager Bristol Myers Squibb Italy:“ Home care allows cancer patients to be followed up in their own home. This assistance service guarantees the closeness of family members, a better quality of life for patients and the protection of their needs, helping them to better face the path of the disease. Bristol Myers Squibb will double the amount raised thanks to donations from employees and all those who want to contribute with a gesture of generosity ”. Since the first edition in 2016 in Europe, around 300 employees of Bristol Myers Squibb have participated in the initiative and more than 1.3 million euros have been raised (here more information to support cyclists in raising funds).
The “Home care” service of Ail
Hematological home care consists of medical-nursing, psychological and social assistance provided on the basis of specific individual needs. Leukemias, lymphomas and myeloma are affecting public health more and more severely, affecting throughout the life span, from early childhood to later life. Until a few years ago, the possibilities of cure were few, today, thanks to the progress of research and the development of increasingly effective therapies, many patients can be treated and maintain a good quality of life. The AIL Home Care Service allows the family unit to better deal with the discomforts of therapies and investigations and to receive assistance in their own home in all phases of the disease.
“The ‘Country 2 Country 4 Cancer’ initiative – concludes Charles – this year assumes a particular significance because due to the pandemic the onco-haematological patients, who are among the most fragile, have a greater need for support and the AIL Home Care goes in this direction “.