Nearly three hundred people were honored at the Honorary Blood Donors’ Gala held in Wrocław. In addition to civilians, the group included police officers, firefighters and soldiers. The officer from the armored brigade in Świętoszów, Łukasz Stelmasiak, was also among this distinguished group.
Lower Silesian Voivode Paweł Hreniak, on behalf of the Minister of Health, presented the honored blood donors with the “Honorary Blood Donor – Meritorious for the Health of the Nation” distinction. This distinction is awarded to blood donors who have donated more than twenty liters of blood. The blood donation center to which the person belongs then submits an application to the Minister of Health for the medal to be awarded.
As a token of appreciation for his commitment and helping others, Lieutenant Łukasz Stelmasiak also received a letter of congratulations for outstanding contributions to saving human life and health, as well as active involvement in the honorary blood donation movement.
Ł. Stelmasiak:
I have been donating blood since I turned eighteen. I have already donated nearly thirty liters. Helping others is extremely important to me. I know that this way I can help people in need, and it costs me nothing, so why not? Medical facilities are currently experiencing blood shortages, so I hope that more and more people will decide to take this step.
10th Armored Cavalry Brigade:
Blood donors are anonymous heroes who can spread hope through drops of donated blood. We are proud that our ranks include soldiers who want to share this gift with those in need. Despite the burden of their daily duties, they do not remain indifferent to the needs of others. Such an attitude should be recognized. We hope that in the future more soldiers of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade will receive this extremely valuable distinction, the “Honorary Blood Donor – Meritorious for the Health of the Nation” award.
Donating blood is, of course, not about receiving a medal or distinction, but by recognizing those who help in this way, perhaps other potential blood donors will also be encouraged.
In just a few months, the Świętoszów “Legion” Honorary Blood Donors’ Branch will organize another blood drive. We will return to this topic.