Colegio Torreánaz has recently donated a total of €3,035 to the Marqués de Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL) to support research in multiple sclerosis. This donation is the result of a charity walk organized by the school, in collaboration with local businesses, families, and students, with the aim of allocating the funds raised to a biomedical project with a local focus and social impact.
As explained by Dr. Julio Pascual, head of the Headache and Other Non-Degenerative Neurological Diseases Research Group at IDIVAL, the initiative arose spontaneously from the school itself. “We know that Colegio Torreánaz actively promotes solidarity within its educational community and is particularly sensitive to biomedical research. They reached out to our group because they wanted the proceeds from their charity walk to contribute to the progress in neurological diseases,” Pascual noted.
Supporting Progress in Multiple Sclerosis Research
The funds will be specifically allocated to a research project on multiple sclerosis, a disease that is the leading cause of neurological damage and disability in people under the age of 50, especially women. It is estimated that at least 600 people in Cantabria live with this condition, which affects the myelin—the protective layer covering nerve fibers—leading to symptoms such as vision problems and mobility difficulties.
Although current treatments are able to slow the progression of the disease, there is still no therapy capable of regenerating damaged myelin. That is why this IDIVAL research group is working on experimental models aimed at identifying candidate molecules that may promote remyelination, meaning the repair of this protective nerve layer.
A Multidisciplinary Team for a Complex Disease
The research is being carried out by clinical neurologists from the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital — Vicente González Quintanilla, Andrea González, and Jorge Madera — and nurse Nadia Cavada, who are in charge of the hospital’s multiple sclerosis clinic, together with postdoctoral researcher María Muñoz, an expert in this disease, and biotechnologist Gabriel Gárate.
Looking Ahead
The research team explains that the Valdecilla multiple sclerosis clinic is a pioneer in implementing new therapeutic and diagnostic options, and that their clinical experience allows them to transfer advances directly to the laboratory. “Our goal is for this experimental model to serve as a foundation for future research, including genetic manipulation techniques and the validation of new molecules with therapeutic potential,” says Dr. María Muñoz.
At IDIVAL, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone at Colegio Torreánaz for their commitment and generosity. We celebrate initiatives like this that bring science and solidarity into the classroom, showing that supporting research is something we can all be part of.
