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Day of action in Freiburg with lots of information on organ donation / Patient celebrates 50th anniversary of transplantation

Every year, the first Saturday in June is dedicated to organ donation: The aim of the day of action is to raise awareness of the life-saving importance of organ donation and transplantation in society. This year, the central nationwide event will be held in Freiburg for the first time. On June 1, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. , visitors can expect a wide range of information and exciting discussion partners on the Platz der alten Synagoge.

Hands-on activities and information stands

"Too few people still decide to donate their organs and keep this decision. In the event of an emergency, the decision can relieve relatives considerably - and save lives if you say YES to organ donation," says Dr. Klaus Michael Lücking, Organ Donation Officer at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg.

The campaign day offers a number of hands-on opportunities: Among other things, there will be information tents in which physicians* from the Medical Center - University of Freiburg will explain a kidney and a lung model in large format. On display boards and in conversation with numerous participants, visitors will learn a lot of interesting facts about the topic. Recurring program items include the "Gifted Years of Life" campaign, the "Tree of Life" and an ecumenical church service.

The youngest visitors can have their sick or injured cuddly toys cared for in the teddy bear hospital. The program is accompanied by a musical stage program. Coffee bikes and food trucks will provide refreshments.

The city-wide campaign #FreiburgEntscheidetSich (#FreiburgDecides), which has been promoting better decisions on organ donation since the beginning of April, is also supporting the day of action.

Patient example: 50 years after transplantation

The Medical Center - University of Freiburg has been performing organ transplants since 1968. One of the first patients was Peter Bertram, who has now been living with a transplanted kidney for 50 years.

The 74-year-old was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure when he was a small child. This was followed by a lengthy search for specialists. He finally found what he was looking for at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "Regular dialysis kept my kidney values stable, but impaired my quality of life," says Bertram.

In 1974, after around two and a half years of waiting, a new life finally began for Bertram: A suitable kidney was found and could be transplanted without complications. "Thanks to the transplant, I was able to get married, start a family and pursue our hobby of dancing together with my wife for 30 years. I owe my life to the Medical Center - University of Freiburg and above all to my organ donor," says Bertram.

Further information: www.tagderorganspende.de