The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity called for inclusive citizenship, defending the importance "of leaving no one behind due to disease, age, disability or anything that might limit citizenship."

"Your body may not keep up with your mind and spirit; it may not be able to do what you would like to do, but no one can take from our mind the treasure of your lives, what you have lived, the people you love and those who love you. This remains within you and it is the most important," stated Piedade Lalanda during a Christmas lunch organised by the Atlantic Support Association for Machado-Joseph Patients in Ponta Delgada today.

The Regional Secretary considered that the work developed by the Association was "very important" and expressed her solidarity towards this mission. In this context, the government official assured the Regional Government's availability to "continue this social response."

The Atlantic Support Association for Machado-Joseph Patients provides support to 50 people. It is estimated that there are 99 patients with Machado-Joseph disease in the Azores.

This hereditary, progressive and degenerative disease results from a genetic mutation that causes loss of muscle control; however, it does not affect cognitive functions.