ALPE PRIZES 2016
The ALPE Awards, instituted in 2012 to promote social inclusion and visibility of achondroplasia and other dysplasias and recognize the work of those who, in one way or another, collaborate in improving the quality of life of patients. All information of past and present editions can be found here (in spanish).The winners of the III ALPE awards were decided on May 30th, in the following three categories:
AWARD IN INSTITUTIONAL CATEGORY
ACHONDROPLASIA UNIT AT VIRGIN VICTORIA HOSPITAL, MALAGA, DIRECTED BY DR. FELIPE LUNAThe Achondroplasia Unit at the University Hospital “Virgen de la Victoria” (HUVV) was created in 2000 for early diagnosis, monitoring and surgical treatment of patients with achondroplasia and other bone dysplasias. It consists in three orthopedic surgeons, a rehabilitation physician, an endocrinologist, a psychologist and a pediatrician.
In addition to its extensive experience and innovative spirit and painstaking attention to families, has landmarks in its history such as the development of a clinical practice in the organization of healthcare in the Andalusian Health Service for patients with osteocondroplasias published in 2005; a meeting day “around the Achondroplasia and other skeletal dysplasias: Families Together”, in April 2015; the proposal for inclusion of achondroplasia in the portfolio of common services of the National Health System and for the designation of the Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, Malaga, as a Reference Unit for diagnosis and therapeutic procedure of achondroplasia. The extensive experience and level of publications of its director and founder, Dr. Felipe Luna González, also reflectes in the Achondroplasia unit as a whole and with vitality.
For more informations: Olga Guerrero:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., +34 670943372
AWARD IN THE MEDIA CATEGORY
TO RAÚL RUIZ DE BENITO (CANAL +) FOR THE DOCUMENTARY FILM«SUEÑOS DE FÚTBOL» («DREAMS OF FOOTBALLl»)https://youtu.be/PhbH7MZmfG8
Alex Parada is the coach of Anton Cagiao, and he tells the story of this short documentary, that has around four minutes. He talks about its creator and Anton: For what it meant for Anton Señán Cagiao, the young man with achondroplasia that has a passion for football and begun to train other divisions, also about the media coverage and the about the public, unused to see a content of inclusion or disabilities. With numerous views in television, on “the Day After” show in Canal +, and also with views on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc., he has gained an importance that amply justifies this recognition.
Contact of Raul Ruíz de Benito: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
AWARD IN PERSONAL CATEGORY
TO ANA GONZÁLEZ GÓMEZ FOR EL BLOG «CRECIENDO CON PEDRO» («GROWING WITH PEDRO»)The blog “Growing with Pedro” and its offshoots in various social networks, plays an important task of spreading a standardized image of people with achondroplasia, babies specifically, that has helped so many families to have a more realistic and positive outlook altering their own baby.
When Pedro was born, two and a half years ago, Ana thought that showing essentially normal life could help others to know their child and, by extension, all children with achondroplasia and see them in a natural way. “Pedro has achondroplasia, but he is also a beautiful, loved and happy baby. We invite you to discover the wonderful adventure of life with him. ” She says in the presentation of the blog. And that is the spirit she shares.
Contact of Ana González Gómez: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ALPE ACHONDROPLASIA FOUNDACION ALPE Foundation, based in Gijon, is helping people with achondroplasia and other bone dysplasias in different areas since 2000. From assessment services, that are offered for free, also having an intermediary role with schools and public administration, as acting in the control of the stereotypical image of “dwarfs” in the media, ALPE activity is constant and very close to patients. ALPE also provides a significant support for families. Not many years ago, when parents received a diagnosis of achondroplasia for their newborn baby, they were given no information or resources and “a dwarf circus” was how many doctors explained to parents what had happened: a spontaneous genetic mutation, that many parents never had heard about, originated a baby that would not grow as others. ALPE also has a extensive contact with medical professionals around the world and promotes scientific and psychosocial research.
