18 March commemorates World Young Rheumatic Diseases Day, a key date to raise awareness about rheumatic diseases affecting children and young people. In order to do our bit for this cause, we at BBLTranslation have translated Miriam Piñol Vilar’s book, La ciudad de Cristal, published by CEADE, into English, Italian, French and Catalan, a story full of hope and bravery.
Act of goodwill, the English translation was given to the The British Society for Spondyloarthritis (BRITSpA), a group of professionals working in the UK with a commitment to advancing knowledge and treatment of Spondyloarthritis; and to NASS, the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society.
A story about bravery and difference
In The city of Glass, we meet Selene, a girl with a rheumatic disease who teaches us that being different is not a weakness, but an opportunity to discover our own magic powers. Her story reminds us that true strength doesn’t lie in the absence of difficulties, but in the ability to face them with determination. Through her journey, Selene shows us the value of empathy, acceptance and resilience, demonstrating that we can all shine with our own light.
This story is a tribute to all the little heroes who face their ‘dragons’ with bravery. From medical consultations to moments of uncertainty, her struggle is a testimony to overcoming adversity that should be recognised and celebrated.
BBLTranslation’s commitment to society
At BBLTranslation, we firmly believe in the power of words to inspire, educate and transform lives. As a participating company in the United Nations Global Compact, we are committed to promoting initiatives that have a positive impact on society. Our work is not limited to translating texts; we also strive to spread messages that promote inclusion, equality and respect for diversity. We are therefore extremely proud to have collaborated on the translation of The city of Glass, allowing the message to be spread to more families and communities across many languages. We want to contribute to raising awareness of rheumatic diseases in children and young people, ensuring that more people are able to support them and understand the realities of those who suffer from them.
The impact of raising awareness
Rheumatic diseases in children and young people remain little known and, in many cases, are invisible. However, they affect thousands of children all over the world, limiting their mobility, energy and sometimes their day-to-day school and social life. Stories, such as Selene’s, help to change this reality and allow both those affected, as well as their families, to feel both seen and supported.
At BBLTranslation, we encourage everyone to read and share The city of Glass. Its message is a call for empathy and solidarity, which are fundamental values in our mission as a company committed to social wellbeing. We believe that translating this type of work is a powerful tool for building a more inclusive world, where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can feel heard and represented.
A step further towards inclusion
Our work on this project reaffirms BBLTranslation’s commitment to promoting the accessibility of information and spreading awareness on issues that impact society. As translators, our task is not just to convey words, but also emotions, experiences and values. With each translation, we aim to bring stories, such as Selene’s, to more people, eliminating linguistic barriers by promoting a better understanding amongst communities.
The translation of The city of Glass is just one of the many ways in which BBLTranslation supports causes that truly matter. We will continue to work to give a voice to initiatives that make positive changes and help to build a more caring and conscious world.
Together, we can make a difference
We invite everyone to join this initiative by reading and sharing The city of Glass. Let’s make this story reach more homes and hearts and help to shine a light on the reality that thousands of children and young people that live with rheumatic diseases have to face. Because every story told is a step further towards understanding and mutual support.
About our founder and director
Barbara Beatrice Lavitola, founder and director of BBLTranslation, with, amongst other qualifications, an MSc in Scientific, Technical and Medical Translation from the renowned Imperial College London School of Medicine; a diploma from the ”la Caixa” Carer’s School (Escuela de Cuidadores) for family carers and volunteers in advanced diseases field; an ESPIRAC – Spirituality, accompaniment and care certificate issued by Virtuelle Hochschule Bayern; and bereavement training, supports the spondyloarthritis cause, a disease she learned about through a friend who was enduring the challenges that come with it. She wants to do her bit to raise the profile of spondyloarthritis in order to increase its awareness among the general population and, at the same time, provide patient associations with new tools to strengthen their voice to influence political decisions, for example by explaining how their fight fits in the framework of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Join our team
At BBLTranslation, we are aware that silence also holds its own message. Silence, on some occasions, is a characteristic present in patients with spondyloarthritis, especially during certain stages of the condition or during flare-ups. Our entire team sympathises deeply with those who suffer from the condition, fully supports their cause and without exception strives to promote a better life for all, something that is essential.
If you are a translator or interpreter that suffers from spondyloarthritis, you will always be welcome in our team. Contact us at our designated email address ea@bbltranslation.eu.
