Page 132 - MaquetaFundCIEN-2019-ENG

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Annual Report 2019
In the words of the CIEN Foundation manager, Ma Ángeles Pérez, the “Tree of Mem- ories” seeks to “value memory through positive emotions, which are the ones that most strongly fix memories in our brain”. The Christmas tree, with a firm trunk that supports hundreds of branches, symbolizes the endurance of emotions over time. It is also a metaphor for the social nature of this problem, and a call for the partic- ipation of all, essential to eradicate a disease that potentially affects society as a whole.
The initiative, part of NEURO2020 “Neurodegenerative Diseases 2020. International Year of Research and Innovation”, declared an Event of Exceptional Public Interest, also aims to raise public awareness on the importance of research in neurodegener- ative diseases. And along this line, José Luis Nogueira, secretary of the Queen Sofia Foundation, stressed that “we continue working to improve the quality of life of pa- tients suffering from Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, and those of the people who are by their side. We will never forget them and we will continue working for it”.
In addition, as in previous editions, the original tradition of the Vallecas “Tree of Memories” has been maintained, which since 2011 is set up every Christmas in that Madrid district. In the last edition, the Villa de Vallecas Municipal Market again wel- comed this initiative, with the support of the Queen Sofia Foundation, the Villa de Vallecas District Board and the General Directorate of the Mayor of the Region of Madrid. One more year, the journalist and presenter Irma Soriano was also the god- mother, one more year, of both events.
Friends of the CIEN Foundation
On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, last September we launched the Friends of the CIEN Foundation initiative, with which we can all help research, di- agnosis and treatment of neurological diseases, especially Alzheimer’s and other dementias.