About us

The Telethon Foundation is a non-profit organization which has, as its general objective, the advancement of research towards a cure for muscular dystrophy and other genetic diseases. For a non-profit organization, the ultimate goal of all its activities is to create benefits for the whole community.

The Objectives

The commitment, made explicit by the mission and objectives of Telethon and guaranteed by the will of its founders, is to maintain autonomy and balance in relationships between patients (and their families), civil society and the world of research.

Our History

Telethon’s story begins in 1990 with an encounter between the volunteers of the “Unione Italiana Lotta alla Distrofia Muscolare” (UILDM) and Susanna Agnelli. It has been, and still is, a relentless battle against genetic diseases, marked by several milestones in progress made and patient care, involving millions of Italians.

Telethon’s structure

The Telethon Foundation is a non-profit organization recognized by the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research which:

• promotes, supports and develops - through the evaluation of a independent and international Scientific Committee - research activity aimed at the treatment of neuromuscular disorders and genetic diseases;
• spreads knowledge among the general public on the research conducted on issues related to genetic diseases, and the results attained;
• promotes and supports technological research aimed at developing aids that promote the independence of people with disabilities.

Download the 2010 Telethon book: facts and figures about Telethon