This Thursday, June 22, a “tree of life” was planted in Vigier Park in Nice. As part of the “National Day for Organ Donation and Transplants”, this olive tree pays tribute to organ donors and their families.
In the shade of the palm trees of Vigier Park, overlooking the sea, an olive tree was planted this morning. A symbol of peace and life, this planting was a profoundly moving occasion. June 22 is a national day dedicated to reflecting on organ donation and transplants. This day highlights the existence of tangible solidarity between individuals. Furthermore, it allows for an expression of inalienable gratitude towards donors. “Giving of oneself” to allow life or improve life is a major act of solidarity. After the planting, an elected official, a doctor, an association president, and a double transplant recipient spoke on the subject. In this way, these different perspectives provide a more comprehensive awareness of the issue of “self-giving”.
“A national priority”
After participating collectively in the planting, Enrico Gruden, the coordinating doctor for organ and tissue procurement at the CHU in Nice, spoke. He began by thanking everyone who contributes in some way to donations. He then emphasized that donation remains a “national priority”. The numbers are still too low. For the year 2022, nearly 6,000 organ transplants were recorded for 10,000 people waiting. He finally calls for a duty of awareness and communication about donation. Enrico Gruden concludes by recalling the key notions related to organ and tissue donation: total anonymity of the donor, gratuity, and presumed consent.
“An urgent need for solidarity”
With deep emotion, Irรจne Allione expressed herself on the subject. The president of the France Federation of Associations for Organ and Tissue Donation 06, very moved, briefly recalled the mythology of the olive tree. The olive tree, given by the goddess Athena, was considered “the most useful gift to man.” She then stresses the necessity of an “urgent need for solidarity”. “Because donation is life,” she proudly concludes before handing over to Richard Chemla. The deputy mayor of Nice in charge of ecological and energy transition, health, and well-being, shares his 37-year career in health. He reminds us that giving of oneself, in a way, allows “life after death to be extended”, when a deceased patient is a donor.
The fierce will to live of a double transplant recipient
Emmanuel Gasteaud‘s journey is a powerful testimony of a fierce will to live. Transplanted twice, at the age of 17 and then again at 30 following a rejection, he spent four years of his life on dialysis. A high-level athlete, he is a double world champion at the Transplant Games. This event is one of the largest in the world in terms of raising awareness about organ donation. Proud of himself and his achievements, he smiles and declares living a “normal life.” Finally, he admits that having received two transplants is significant and that the life of a transplant recipient is “not a smooth journey”. Emmanuel Gasteaud insists that organ donation has made life possible and better for him.
