4 JUNE 2025. Dialogue, participation, and shared commitment. Great public participation and broad support from service clubs for the World Day dedicated to multiple sclerosis, organized by the Lions Clubs of Catanzaro and Zone 24, under the patronage of the Municipality of Catanzaro.
The meeting took place in the Concert Hall of Palazzo De Nobili, with the presence of all the local Lions Clubs, Fidapa, and numerous citizens, demonstrating a growing awareness of an issue that closely affects many families and raises important scientific and social questions.
After the institutional greetings from the Deputy Mayor of Catanzaro, Giusy Iemma, the proceedings were introduced and moderated by the president of the Lions Club Catanzaro Host, Pietro Maglio. Particularly appreciated was the lecture by Dr. Caterina Ermio, director of the Neurology Unit at the Lamezia Terme Hospital - ASP Catanzaro, who delved into the topic of multiple sclerosis as a gender-related disease, highlighting the differences that characterize the incidence, clinical evolution, and therapeutic response between men and women. Dr. Ermio answered the many questions from the audience with precision and clarity, fueling a long and engaging debate that helped clarify doubts and satisfy many curiosities.
During the event, representatives of the local Lions Clubs spoke: for the Lions Club Catanzaro Themesa, Roberto Iuliano, on behalf of president Luciano Giacobbe; for the Lions Club Soverato and Versante Jonico delle Serre, Giorgio De Filippis, representing president Giuseppe Pipicelli; and for the Lions Club Squillace Cassiodoro, Carolina Ritrovato, who brought greetings from president Caterina Scarpino.
A valuable contribution also came from Rossella Barillaro, president of Fidapa Catanzaro, who emphasized that the approach to multiple sclerosis must be based on broad and shared collaboration between institutions, service clubs, and the community: "We are talking about a complex disease, which mainly affects women and requires a strong unity of purpose to support research, ensure assistance, and raise public awareness."
As per Lions tradition, the proceedings were closed by the District President, Domenico Magro, who thanked all the clubs for their synergistic commitment and sensitivity shown on such a delicate issue, confirming the full support of District 108 YA for scientific dissemination and community service initiatives.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the symbolic signing of the friendship pact between AISM (Italian Multiple Sclerosis Association) and the Lions Clubs of Zone 24, thus marking another step forward in the shared commitment alongside people affected by this disease.