| Rachele Somaschini’s project intended to contribute to Cystic Fibrosis research is supported by the top continental series |
| Cusano Milanino (MI), 16 Marzo 2023 #CorrerePerUnRespiro (#Racingforabreath) – the solidarity initiative created in 2016 by Rachele Somaschini to spread information and raise funds to support cystic fibrosis research – is acknowledged by the FIA European Rally Championship WRC Promoter GmbH. A great day and an important goal achieved by the driver from Cusano Milanino, class of 1994, suffering from this degenerative genetic disease since birth, who dedicates all her commitment in motorsport and in life to this cause. Rachele announced a few days ago her participation in a full program of 6 races in the continental series, while she has always expressed her intention to broaden the horizons of her awareness-raising activities abroad. Such a strong response from the institution that runs the European Championship can, therefore, only be a reason for enormous satisfaction. “I want to express so much gratitude to the Promoter of this important Championship,” comments Rachele, “for having shown attention, sensitivity and willingness to a cause that is so close to my heart, and not only because it directly involves me. For 30% of people affected by certain genetic variants of the disease, there is still no treatment available. #Racingforabreath will not stop until a cure is found for everyone. Spreading this message through an international stage,” the driver adds, “and with the support of such a prestigious organization as the European Rally Championship, is the most ambitious goal I could have achieved”. About this decision Iain Campbell, ERC Championship Manager, said: “We admire Rachele’s tireless work for such a worthy cause. She is a strong supporter of the ERC, and a strong competitor, despite the challenges she faces. We are happy that she is able to use the ERC platform to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis.”. As today #CorrerePerUnRespiro (#Racingforabreath) has raised 300,000 euros to finance important strategic projects of the Italian Research Foundation on Cystic Fibrosis, the first institution in Italy specifically dedicated to research on serious genetic disease more widespread in Europe. The passionate tenacity whose Rachele has given proof in recent years and her commitment, as testimonial and as athlete, have enabled to pursue her passion, despite cystic fibrosis. She is an important example for all of us” declares Matteo Marzotto, President of FFC Research. “Covid has shown how much research is a universal heritage to which the Foundation has always contributed, opening up, today more than ever, to European and international collaborations which see awareness-raising initiatives like this as an important driving force for research.” – says Carlo Castellani, scientific director of the Foundation. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a progressive, genetic disease that affects many organs, particularly the lungs and the pancreas where it results in the production of thick mucus. In the lower airways, this facilitates recurrent respiratory infections with viruses and bacteria. In Europe, about one person in 30 is a asymptomatic carrier of the defective CF gene. Couples in which both partners are CF carriers have a 1 in 4 (25%) chance in each pregnancy of having a child with CF. There are about 52,000 people with cystic fibrosis in Europe. Currently there is no cure for this disease, but thanks to scientific research and advancements in treatments and care people with cystic fibrosis are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation – Onlus funds research projects that have the ultimate aim to improve the health status of persons with cystic fibrosis and to provide a breakthrough in the understanding of molecular basis of the disease. Approved by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) as a promoter of scientific research into the disease, the Foundation involves 1000 Researchers, 260 Research institutes in Italy, 150 Volunteer Delegations and support groups and 5.000 non-occasional Volunteers raising funds and providing information on the disease. If you would like to support the project #CorrerePerUnRespiro check out the website correreperunrespiro.it and our matching gift program. You can also make a donation to: Fondazione Ricerca Fibrosi Cistica Onlus IBAN: IT 27E0 2008 1171 8000 102134939 Transfer reason CorrerePerUnRespiro”. Contacts: Comunicazione e Ufficio Stampa MOTORSPORT Anna Canata +39 335 5810584 press@rachelesomaschini.com Progetto CHARITY #CorrerePerUnRespiro Paola Ferlini + 39 335 456 809 paola.ferlini@fibrosicisticamilano.it Press Office FFC Ricerca Carlotta Bergamini +39 333 3300469 press@fibrosicisticaricerca.it |
