This year represents the 23rd edition of the Telethon in France. This annual event is held to benefit the muscular dystrophy charity AFM (French Myopathy Association). The face of the Telethon this year is French actor Daniel Auteuil. December 4th and 5th, during this 30–hour long televised broadcast, they will be promoting the message “Tous plus forts que tout” (“Together we are stronger than anything”).

“Together we are stronger than anything” is the driving force behind the AFM families that are committed to fighting a ruthless battle against the over 200 types of muscular dystrophy diseases. These diseases, affecting both children and adults, result in a loss of muscle strength and have dramatic consequences on certain vital organs.

To better achieve its goals, the AFM pursues a strategy that targets cures and breakthroughs of all genetic and rare diseases as a whole. Thanks to the Telethon, a giant leap forward has been made in recent years in the understanding of the 6,000 plus rare diseases that affect millions of people in France and Europe. Each donation allows researchers to find new treatments, benefiting millions, and fighting the battle on all fronts: medical, social and political in support of the efforts to fight these rare diseases.

Laurence Tiennot-Herment, president of the AFM and Silvia Diaconale, Head of Communication for Major Accounts at BNL, discuss the Telethon.

Since its inception, BNP Paribas has been a partner of the Telethon, participating in various activities and services for the benefit of AFM: The Tennis Telethon, Charity Run around the Tuileries garden, selling AFM/Telethon merchandise to raise funds, … . Being a major actor in the Telethon in France as well as Italy with BNL, BNP Paribas undertakes and invites employees to act and participate.