Conference presenters, from left to right: Isabel Abóbora, and Inês Santos (who have MS), Célia Fernandes, Office for the Employment of Disabled People, Jorge Gabriel, TV personality (moderator), Conceição Moita, Institute for Employment and Professional Improvement with José Serôdio, National Rehabilitation Institute.

The conference was attended by 370 people, including people with MS, families, carers and health professionals. Special guests at the event were the Civil Governor of Lisbon and representatives from the Health Committee of the National Parliament and the National Health Authority. Topics covered included employment, where people with MS shared how they had maintained their professional lives, as well as sexuality and legal issues.

"The event was a very successful one. We got positive comments from the professional participants and now we are being invited to appear on more TV programmes." Jorge da Silva, Executive Director, SPEM.

From the 18 October 2009 a mobile exhibition visited public places, including hospitals and shopping malls, in 17 cities nationwide, with the final exhibition at the conference on 5 December 2009. To accompany the exhibition, leaflets about MS were distributed and fundraising activities took place.

On 4 December 2009 SPEM organised an anniversary commemoration party in their main office. This was attended by 50 guests and 30 people with MS. Brunch and music was provided by a local ambulance crew.


Entertainment at the party.