After the pandemic, ALAN noted a sharp increase in the number of people in need of care, i.e. more than 40%, i.e. a total of 562 people who referred themselves to the association in 2021. "We are pleased to note that more and more hospitals and doctors see us as a reliable partner and refer their patients directly to us. The increase in referrals is also due to our increased visibility, which we have been able to achieve thanks to our partners and which is essential," explains Shirley Feider-Rohen.

In addition to consulting service, ALAN also offers recreational activities. Daniel Theisen explains: “Thanks to partners’support, many activities could be offered in 2021, such as swimming activities at the Rehazenter, which offers not only a wheelchair-accessible pool, but also competent and specialised staff and volunteers to accompany the participants. Different activities for children are also offered, such as workshops with assistance dogs, visits to an educational farm and horseback riding therapy. In addition, yoga/relaxation classes for adults are available to our members, to combat stress and anxiety, related to, for example, illness or COVID. A new activity is the organisation of "Walk and Talk": a 5km walk accessible to wheelchairs, which allows not only physical activity but also the development of exchanges and, above all, the creation of affinities and friendships between participants”.

All these activities allow people to exchange and get out of the daily routine, to renew social ties but above all to offer a better quality of life!

"We are proud to be part of the adventure! ALAN's work and commitment are of great importance to us; indeed, they are completely in line with our Baloise values and with Corporate Social Responsibility, which is essential for us. It is crucial for us to continue this partnership to contribute to the fight against rare diseases," says Laurence Fransen.