An organ donation campaign was organized for Esila, who is waiting for a heart transplant in Rize.

RIZE (AA) – 100 people in Rize became donors to draw attention to the importance of organ donation.

An organ donation event was held at 15 July Democracy and Republic Square within the scope of the campaign launched with the slogan “Rize takes care of its child” for 16-year-old Esila Tüfekçi, who is waiting for a heart transplant.

Governor İhsan Selim Baydaş, Mayor Rahmi Metin, Provincial Health Director Mustafa Tepe, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Yılmaz, Çaykur Rizespor Vice President Adnan Er, Board members Serkan Karavin and Hasan Yavuz Bakır, Esila’s twin Elyasa, her younger brother Eymen Tüfekçi and citizens attended.

“Do not take your organs to heaven. They are needed here,” with a picture drawn by Esila Tüfekçi. Information about organ donation was conveyed to the participants who carried the written posters.

100 people, including Governor Baydaş and Mayor Metin, became organ donors by filling out the necessary documents.

Governor İhsan Selim Baydaş told journalists that they were trying to remind Esila Tüfekçi of the need for organs and to convey the donation call to large audiences.

Drawing attention to the importance of organ donation, Baydaş said, “We must encourage donation and draw attention. We must raise awareness every period. We must draw attention to its importance in terms of health and religion. We always try to keep Esila on the agenda. I hope our next meeting will be a meeting of joy.” said.

Mayor Metin explained that they are in contact with Esila’s family and said, “Our daughter Esila is the first patient waiting for an organ in Turkey for the last year. Unfortunately, it does not happen if there are no certain criteria among the donors. The more donations are made, the more our patients can survive in this world.” “I think there cannot be a better gift or treat in this world and the hereafter.” he said.

Esila’s aunt, Şenay Köse, also pointed out that her niece is now connected to an ECMO device during the treatment process that has been going on for 5.5 years, and said, “Please let us be donors. Let us be donors rather than rotting our organs in the soil.” he said.

Karavin, member of the Board of Directors of Çaykur Rizespor, emphasized that they have always tried to be supportive of Esila and that the point reached is now the last exit.

Ömer Turna, who is waiting for a heart transplant, said: “My heart was working at 30 percent. I waited for an organ transplant for three years. When my heart’s functioning dropped to 10 percent, they installed a device in 2023. We are candidates waiting for an organ. My brother Esila is very young, let all the luck be his. If we have the chance, he will have it.” “Let him have my chance, I am 60 years old, he needs it if he has the chance.” he said and shed tears.