An event celebrating 30 years of Telethon’s charitable work in Cyprus was held at the Presidential Palace and attended by first lady Philippa Karsera, representing President Nikos Christodoulides, it was reported on Wednesday.

The event aimed to recognise the contributions of individuals, businesses and organisations that have supported Telethon’s mission over the past three decades. The institution works to support patients with muscular dystrophy and advance research into neuromuscular, genetic and neurological diseases.

In her speech, Karsera expressed her full support for Telethon and emphasised the importance of research and social awareness in addressing these diseases.

In remarks read by the first lady, the president praised Telethon as a “beacon of support, solidarity, and hope” for those facing neuromuscular and genetic diseases. He called for continued cooperation between the state, volunteers and sponsors to bring meaningful change and improve the lives of patients.

She also highlighted that Telethon’s support goes beyond financial assistance, stressing the love and solidarity shown to those in need and adding that the institution’s work has been crucial in improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

Speaking after the first lady, Telethon committee chairwoman Marianna Tsappi-Leptou said the initiative has become a symbol of solidarity, love, and voluntary dedication. She said that over 600 events have been organised over the past 30 years, raising more than €8.8 million.

Tsappi-Leptou added that Telethon has acted as a bridge between volunteers and supporters, enabling them to assist individuals battling muscular and neuromuscular diseases.

She said the annual message ‘Let Our Hearts Speak’ inspires hundreds of volunteers to organise events full of hope and love, supporting the cause in every possible way.

In his address, the medical director of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING) Professor Leonidas Phylactou highlighted the vital role research plays in the work supported by Telethon.

“The institute, in cooperation with Telethon, has funded over 100 research programmes, worth €5.5 million, focusing on neurological, genetic, and neuromuscular diseases,” he said.

Furthermore, the president of the Cyprus Muscular Dystrophy Association Panikos Voskos expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support provided by Telethon, saying that the contributions over the past 30 years have enabled the association to meet the essential needs of people with neuromuscular conditions, such as medical care, physiotherapy, and technical aids to improve their daily lives.

Voskos underlined that each research outcome brings hope for better treatment and potentially a cure. He also noted that through research, new methods and processes for providing care have been discovered, services have been improved, and more effective treatments have been developed.