The executive directors of the airlines Azul, Gol, and Latam joined forces in a solidarity campaign for pilot and influencer Joselito Sousa, known as Lito, from the channel Aviões & Músicas. Lito has been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).
This appeal was released on Tuesday, the 25th, by the Brazilian Association of Airlines (Abear). The video features individual testimonials from John Rodgerson of Azul; Celso Ferrer of Gol; and Jerome Cadier of Latam Brasil. The goal of the appeal is to direct Lito's case to researchers capable of assisting in the discovery of treatment methods.
Rodgerson expressed the support of approximately 15,000 Azul employees for Lito, thanking him for his contribution to the sector. Ferrer emphasized the influencer's role in making topics such as aviation safety and operational procedures public. Meanwhile, Cadier requested that the video be widely shared and that the entities mentioned in the post be properly tagged, reinforcing that every mention is important.
Lito gained notoriety through Aviões & Músicas, a channel that demystifies subjects related to aircraft, operations, safety, and the functioning of the air industry. His content, available on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, is characterized by simplifying technical terms so that anyone can understand, even if they are not from the field.
His work allowed Lito to be recognized not only by passengers but also by professionals in the aviation sector. In recent weeks, in addition to the airlines Azul, Gol, and Latam, airport concessionaires have also issued messages of support to the pilot. Aena Brasil, responsible for managing 17 airports in the country, including Congonhas in São Paulo, made a statement on social media, using Lito's well-known phrase: 'turbulence does not bring down planes.'
Other locations that also showed support include RioGaleão, manager of the international airport in Rio de Janeiro, and the International Airport of Brasília.
Information about Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
CJD is classified as a rare, progressive, and fatal neurodegenerative disease. According to the Ministry of Health, this condition is associated with the improper functioning of proteins called prions, which can cause brain tissue deterioration. Potential symptoms include memory loss, cognitive changes, tremors, and other neurological signs. Currently, there is no globally available treatment for this illness.
Lito's family is seeking access to international studies investigating therapies for the disease. Among these studies are ION717, developed by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, and PRiSM, conducted by the Broad Institute, which has ties to Harvard and MIT. Although Lito's participation in the ION717 study was denied because the research no longer accepts new participants, the Ministry of Health formally requested his inclusion in the initial phase of the PRiSM trials, and researchers added him to the screening list. However, being on the list does not guarantee a spot or access to the medication; it is necessary to confirm if he meets the research requirements and if there is availability.
Additionally, the family sought support from the Itamaraty (Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs). As of now, Lito has no guarantee of access to any of the experimental treatments.