On Friday, July 4, FMS members handed out Life Cards in Bolesławiec’s market square – cardboard wallet inserts the size of a small calendar. Filling one out signifies consent to organ transplantation after death. “The weather wasn’t on our side today, but the goal is noble, so nothing can stop us,” says Michał Banaś, chair of FMS in Bolesławiec County.
Friday’s initiative was part of a nationwide campaign by FMS and the Democratic Left Alliance. “So much is being said nowadays about the shortage of organs needed for transplants. This campaign aims to promote consent to organ transplantation after death – an enormous opportunity for those whose only hope of survival is a transplant,” says Paweł Zieliński, FMS secretary.
The Bolesławiec FMS initiative met with considerable support. “We are pleased that so many people are interested in what we are doing. People are happy to accept the Cards, often asking for more – for family members or friends,” notes Michał Banaś. It might seem that consenting to organ transplantation after death is a time-consuming and complicated procedure. Nothing could be further from the truth. “Sometimes people do not know what the card is for. Then we explain that all they need to do is fill it out and carry it with them. In that case, the doctor verifying the identity of an accident victim will be one hundred percent certain that the person consented to the transplantation of their organs,” the chair adds.
FMS has already announced that the campaign will soon be repeated. “It is very rewarding to promote such a noble act. We’ll be back here!” laughs Łukasz Ludwikowski, a member of the left-wing youth organization.
Anyone interested can obtain a Life Card at the headquarters of the Bolesławiec Democratic Left Alliance at 15 Opitza Street.
(FMS/GA information)