Patients with Multiple Sclerosis to cycle across Slovakia

Patients suffering from multiple sclerosis will go on a cycle-ride across Slovakia this year again to show their ability to overcome challenges, as part of the third annual project called From the Tatras to the Danube River, TASR learnt on Tuesday. The project will be held under the auspices of the Health Ministry. One of the disease's symptoms is poor physical coordination and that's why it is important to move with this disease, say experts. Patients and volunteers want to go about 400 kilometres from Liptovská Kokava to Bratislava in six days. The start is scheduled for May 22 and the finish for May 27 at Hviezdoslavovo námestie in Bratislava. Health Minister Tomas Drucker will personally support the project by taking part in one of the cycling stages. "We must show patients that they are not that sick to be ousted to the margins of society," Drucker told a news conference in Bratislava on Tuesday. The event is organised by the Hope Sclerosis Multiplex Association. "We want to inform the public about this disease through this event," said the association's chair Jaroslava Valčeková, stressing the need for the timely diagnosis of the disease. Approximately 10,000 people suffer from multiple sclerosis in Slovakia, with it affecting more women than men. The disease is incurable.