Transplant Tour from the sea to the mountains: a transplant is a chance for an active life
From Gdańsk to Bukowina Tatrzańska – 800 kilometers, uphill and downhill. The "Transplant Tour from the Sea to the Mountains" cycling relay is not only a sporting feat, but above all, a unique social campaign. Its participants demonstrate that life after surgery can be full of passion, effort, and hope. "We're going to make a big deal out of transplantation and convince people that life after a transplant isn't the end. It can be a new, beautiful beginning," says Grzegorz Perzyński, president of the Liverstrong Transplant Foundation, himself a liver transplant patient.
The cycling rally, which began in Gdańsk Brzeźno, will take in Grudziądz, Sierpc, Warsaw, Kielce, and Kraków. The finale is scheduled for August 8th in Bukowina Tatrzańska, the day before the start of the Tour de Pologne Amatorów, which will feature two cyclists who have undergone organ transplants . As Grzegorz Perzyński emphasizes, the rally features individuals with unique stories – those who have undergone liver, lung , or kidney transplants.
Each of us carries a personal story of struggle and victory over the disease, he says.
They are also accompanied by doctors in the relay, including transplantologist Prof. Bartosz Kubisa . Meetings with local communities are not only a means of integration – they provide a space for conversations about the importance of transplantation and organ donation .
The aim of the Transplant Tour is to increase public awareness of organ donation .
In Poland, one donor can save up to eight lives. We want to show how meaningful the decision to become a donor is," explains Grzegorz Perzyński.
He also admits that despite growing knowledge, many people are still not familiar with the concept of a "declaration of intent card" and do not know that today consent to be a donor can also be expressed digitally – using the e-transplant application.
The second, equally important aspect is the promotion of movement and physical activity as a tool for rehabilitation after serious illness . President Perzyński speaks from his own experience:
For me, it was literally a struggle to take my first steps. Today, I've completed an Ironman .
He points out that the sport – which he trained before his illness – prepared his body for the extreme challenge of surgery.
"I had a heart trained by karate and soccer . This push-up was ready," he says with a smile.
Thanks to this, today he leads an active life and pursues his passions.
During the rally, participants also highlight road safety issues. They promote the wearing of helmets and reflective elements , and remind cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians of mutual respect – because life after a transplant teaches us how fragile it is.
Perzyński does not hide the fact that one of the most difficult things after the surgery was rebuilding his psyche .
In Poland, there is still a lack of systemic psychological support for post-transplant patients and their families, he notes.
Today, he often receives calls from people looking for support .
I'm not a psychotherapist, but I have my own experience. I help where I can," he adds.
His story isn't just about personal struggles. A year before his transplant, his brother also underwent a kidney transplant .
Two transplants in one family, but different organs. It wasn't genetics—it was a coincidence. It was a huge shock," she recalls.
The Liverstrong Transplant Foundation was born out of personal emotion and a need for action.
We started from scratch. Today, we collaborate with Lang Team, the Ministry of Sport, and PZU . We educate, inspire, and lobby," says CEO Grzegorz Perzyński, who also serves as a graphic designer, driver, and logistics manager.
He dreams of the Transplant Tour becoming a recurring event that will remind us every year about the power of a decision that can save and give a second life .
Our mission doesn't end there. We're going further. For health, for awareness, for life, " he says with conviction.
Source: PAP/K. Ł.
Source: PAP/ own work Updated: 04/08/2025 19:30
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