Supporting Multiple Sclerosis Research through Bequests: A Week of Awareness
The National Week of Bequests of Aism, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Association, is set to take place from January 26 to February 1, 2026. This event, dedicated to promoting awareness about the value of bequests, has been ongoing for over twenty years. Volunteers, individuals with multiple sclerosis, supporters, researchers, and notaries are joining forces to highlight the importance of this solidarity tool. According to Aism, bequests “represent a fundamental tool for the sustainability over time of the activities of Aism and its Foundation, allowing us to guarantee essential services, support scientific research, and improve the quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and related pathologies.”
The Impact of Bequests on Multiple Sclerosis Research
During the Week, approximately 40 meetings will be held across Italy, organized in collaboration with the National Council of Notaries and with the support of the National Federation of Pensioners Cisl. Notaries will provide practical information and address common concerns about testamentary successions and joint bequests. A free guide to bequests, created in partnership with the National Council of Notaries, can be requested at the toll-free number 800-094464 or on the website aism.it/lasciti. This guide aims to assist individuals in making informed decisions about bequests.
A Call to Action for Supporting Multiple Sclerosis Research
Mario Alberto Battaglia, president of Fism, the Aism Foundation, emphasizes that “scientific research has already profoundly transformed the history of multiple sclerosis, but stable, long-term investments are needed to continue progressing. Bequests represent a fundamental resource for supporting innovative studies and making research increasingly closer to people possible.” Francesco Vacca, president of Aism, adds that the bequest “is a choice of responsibility and trust in the future. It is a gesture that allows Aism to plan long-lasting interventions.” By supporting Aism through bequests, individuals can contribute to various initiatives, such as the opening of information desks, the purchase of innovative diagnostic devices, financing scholarships for young researchers, and more.
The Growing Importance of Bequests for Non-Profit Organizations
According to research by the Solidarity Testament Committee, between 2020 and 2024, the share of non-profit organizations that received at least one bequest grew by 16 percentage points, while the weight of bequests on total fundraising almost doubled, increasing from 8% to 14%. This trend highlights the growing significance of bequests as a vital resource for the Third Sector. Today, over 144,000 people with multiple sclerosis live in Italy, with 3,650 new diagnoses per year, making the need for continued research and support more pressing than ever.
For more information on the National Week of Bequests and how to support multiple sclerosis research, visit Aism’s website. To learn more about the impact of bequests on multiple sclerosis research, read the full article Here.