Whilst the current flows, life goes on

Leukodystrophies are genetic ilnesses that destroy the nerve coating (myelin) of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord. When this coating is damaged, electrical current cannot travel along nerves, so messages are interrupted. Loss of movement and balance, loss of sight and hearing, loss of speech and memory: Leukodystrophies paralyse all the vital functions. Every week, 3 to 6 children are born with these terrible illnesses in France alone (20 to 40 in all of Europe).

Since 1992, ELA (European Leukodystrophies Association), sponsored by Zinédine Zidane, have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about these rare illnesses, finance medical research and help the families affected by this tragic illness. Since being created, ELA has financed over 220 research programmes with over 17.5 million euros.

One major priority: repairing myelin to restore lost functions. It’s possible!
To find a cure faster, ELA, the European Leukodystrophies Association, has created a research foundation dedicated to all myelin diseases.

Leukomalacia (neurological diseases in premature babies), Leukodystrophies and Multiple Sclerosis are severe myelin diseases. They affect the nervous system of over 100 000 babies, children or adults in France alone.

Created in 2005, the foundation brings unites the top specialists from all over the world. It benefited from significant support from the France Ministry for Research and is helped by the heads of big businesses such as Franck Riboud, Danone President.

Programmes all over the world are financed by ELA. Fundamental research, myelin repair, identification of new genes responsible for the disease, physiotherapy, therapeutic scope and purchase of scientific equipment are projects selected by the 17 members on the Foundations Scientific Council, all of whom are international specialists in myelin disorders.

ELA and the Danone Nations Cup

The Danone Nations Cup has supported ELA since 2003. All revenue from the Danone Nations Cup is donated directly to the association. Apart from sharing an ambassador (Zinédine Zidane) and although engaging in very different activities, the Danone Nations Cup and ELA are pursuing a common goal: giving hope to children.

Always moving forwards
« When the disease hits a family, it is the greatest injustice in the genetic lottery. But it doesn’t just happen to other people. We are all affected. The loyal support that the Danone Nations Cup gives ELA is compassionate and staunch. This amazing competition for young and extremely talented players is an amazing celebration, with which we share a lot of values: team-spirit, determination, generosity… The personal involvement of Franck Riboud, who has agreed to be a member of the Council that oversees ELA, has encouraged us to always move forwards to help the families touched by the diease. »
Guy ALBA – ELA President

ELA – 2 rue Mi-les-Vignes – BP 61024 – 54251 LAXOU CEDEX – Tel : 39 45 (0,34€ mn)