A special edition of the "Run for a New Life – Pomerania Says Yes" took place on 20 October in Gdańsk's Old Town. Participants in the event included doctors, transplant coordinators, and – most important of all – people who have undergone a transplant. Sporting personalities were also present. AmberExpo was one of the sponsors of this worthy initiative.
Every transplant recipient's story is one of overcoming hardship, of fortitude, of hope. Jacek Konat from Bodzentyn was only 21 when he suffered a serious stroke, and it turned out he had myocarditis. Years passed, and he managed to get by. Rehabilitation worked wonders, and although the stroke left him with partial paralysis, especially in his arm, he regained his independence and finished his studies. His heart condition worsened year by year. In a very poor state, Jacek was admitted to the Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze. To hold out until a transplant, he was qualified there for implantation of a HeartWare pump to support his circulation. He lived with it for 3.5 years. He lived to see the moment when he received a new heart. On 20 October, Jacek took part in the special edition of the "Run for a New Life – Pomerania Says Yes".
Walking with Nordic walking poles for the first time was Joanna Jurkiewicz, who received a new kidney and a new life at the local University Clinical Centre. As a child, Joanna often had tonsillitis, falling ill every few months. The recurring inflammations led to chronic glomerulonephritis. Joanna also had nephrotic syndrome. Thanks to a donor, she was given a second chance – she finished her studies, had children, works and is pursuing her dreams.
Also taking part in the run was Marcelina, who almost 6 years ago, at the age of 10 months, underwent a liver transplant.
– We thought our daughter was healthy. We found out she wasn't when we went for a routine vaccination. The doctor noticed that Marcelinka had yellow eyes and sent her for tests. It turned out she had extrahepatic biliary atresia – says Paulina, the girl's mother.
Marcelina is doing well, is in her first year of school, goes camping on holiday and loves riding her bike. She celebrates her birthday twice a year, the second time on the anniversary of her successful transplant. Her father donated part of his liver to Marcelina.
– He didn't hesitate for a moment – says Paulina. – Let's talk about transplantation, let's not make it a taboo subject – she adds.
The Run for a New Life exists precisely to enable that conversation. Its ambassador is Przemysław Saleta, who years ago donated a kidney to his daughter Nicole. His commitments did not allow him to take part in the event, but other well-known figures appeared on the Nordic walking route, including Dariusz Michalczewski, Adam Korol, Mariusz Wlazły, Piotr Myszka, Artur Siódmiak, Roman Paszke and Damian Wleklak.
Among the 275 participants, medical authorities were also present. The occasion was a special one, as the Run for a New Life accompanied the 16th Congress of the Polish Transplantation Society.
Prof. Maciej Kosieradzki, President of the Polish Transplantation Society, says that 2023 was significantly better for Polish transplantation medicine than previous years, when the sector was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.
– This year, at least here in Mazovia, will see a 30 per cent increase in the number of transplants – says the professor.
Prof. Roman Danielewicz of the Department of General and Transplant Surgery at the Medical University of Warsaw's University Clinical Centre strikes a similar note. He says the final summary for 2023 will only be possible in two months' time, but achieving a result of 2,000 transplants seems realistic.
– That is, of course, a very optimistic assumption, but it is certainly a good year – we are returning to our pre-COVID-19 level of activity – the specialist emphasises.
Prof. Sławomir Nazarewski of the Department of General, Vascular, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery at the Medical University of Warsaw's University Clinical Centre adds:
– We are on an upward curve; this year has been very positive for transplantation medicine. I think this momentum will carry us even further next year – the professor hopes.
What do Polish transplant specialists wish for in 2024?
– I would simply like there to be more transplants in 2024, and for the number of patients saved to increase, along with an improvement in quality of life – says Dr hab. Jacek Wojarski, coordinator of the lung transplant programme at the University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk.
The route of the Gdańsk edition of the Run for a New Life was marked out on Długi Targ and Długa Street – from the Green Gate to the Golden Gate and back, covering around a kilometre. The band "Łzy", friends of the Run, performed for participants. As usually happens, the weather cooperated during the event. It was no different in Gdańsk – despite rain, cold and wind, we caught a several-hour "weather window"
– The Run for a New Life is above all fantastic fun, a way of showing support for an important cause, and a chance to run alongside transplant recipients – which is especially important to me. I'm delighted that we can finally meet in Gdańsk and spread this idea in our beloved city – says Piotr Borawski, Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk.
This time, participants in the Run walked individually; unlike the "classic" Run for a New Life, relay team line-ups were drawn from the results after the event ended – the best time was achieved by the team of Dorota Miszewska-Szyszkowska, Wojciech Wołyniec and Alicja Sadowska. Individual awards went to the fastest transplant recipients – Justyna Graczyk and Krzysztof Wielendt.