Beyond the Derby: A Call for Neonatal Screening

The atmosphere at the Braglia di Modena stadium on May 1st, 2025, was charged with more than just local rivalry. the challenge between Modena and Reggiana became a powerful platform to advocate for the health and future of children in the Emilia-Romagna region. Modena Calcio, known as the “yellow canary team,” donned special jerseys to promote the #uncalcioallamld campaign, a heartfelt initiative designed to raise awareness and drive action against Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD).

Voa Voa! Friends of Sofia: Spearheading the Fight Against MLD

The driving force behind this impactful campaign is Voa voa! Friends of Sofia APS, an association dedicated to combating MLD. This rare genetic disorder often goes undiagnosed until itS too late, robbing children of their quality of life. The organization is working tirelessly to make neonatal screening for MLD a standard practice in Emilia-Romagna.

MLD affects approximately 1 in 40,000 live births. Early detection through newborn screening can considerably improve outcomes, allowing for timely interventions like hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or gene therapy, which can slow or halt disease progression. Without early diagnosis, the disease can lead to severe neurological damage and premature death.

A Mother’s Plea: The 5×1000 Campaign

giulia Ferrari, mother of Gioia and a passionate advocate within Voa voa!, launched the 5×1000 campaign during the event. She emphasized the importance of collective action:

We have chosen on May 1 to launch our appeal as today we do not celebrate only the work: we celebrate the right to life. To allocate its 5×1000 in Voa Voa it costs nothing and can really change the future of our region.Concrete to support the actual start of neonatal screening life-saving against MLD in Emilia-Romagna.
Giulia Ferrari, Voa Voa! Friends of Sofia APS

The 5×1000 campaign allows Italian taxpayers to allocate 0.5% of their income tax to registered non-profit organizations like Voa Voa! This simple act of solidarity can provide crucial funding for the implementation of MLD neonatal screening programs.

Turning Promises into Action: The Road Ahead

guido De Barros, president, and Caterina Ceccuti, vice-president of Voa Voa!, were present at the stadium, highlighting the significance of the event as a presentation of active citizenship. De Barros expressed gratitude to Modena Calcio and its fans for their eager support.

thanks to Modena Calcio and all its fans for welcoming our cause with so much enthusiasm. The promise of the Emilia-Romagna region to start the screening obtained at the meeting in the Department of March 17 is an vital first step, but without everyone’s commitment it will not be possible to transform it into reality. this month, according to the promised by the commissioner Fabi, we await the planning from the Region who will tell us what the times will tell us. real costs.
Guido De Barros,President of Voa Voa! Friends of Sofia APS

While the Emilia-Romagna region has pledged to initiate MLD screening,Voa Voa! emphasizes that sustained commitment and resources are essential to translate this promise into reality. The organization is actively seeking clarity on the timeline and financial requirements for the screening program.

how to Contribute: Supporting the 5×1000 Campaign

Citizens of Emilia-Romagna can contribute to the fight against MLD by allocating their 5×1000 to Voa Voa! Friends of Sofia APS. In the tax return, simply sign the section dedicated to supporting third-sector entities registered in the RUNTS (Single national Register of the Third Sector) and indicate the tax code 94232020480. This small gesture can have a profound impact on the lives of children at risk of MLD.

A Victory Beyond the Scoreboard

The event at the Braglia stadium served as a powerful reminder that sports can be a catalyst for positive change. By uniting sports,compassion,and a shared vision for the future,Modena calcio and Voa Voa! Friends of sofia APS are striving to create a healthier and more equitable future for all children in Emilia-Romagna. The true victory lies not in goals scored, but in the hope ignited and the lives potentially saved through early MLD screening.