Founded in 1976, Alcer Gipuzkoa marks five decades of dedication to kidney patients, offering support during difficult times and celebrating advancements that were once unthinkable. The main anniversary event will take place this Friday at the Orona Auditorium in Hernani, bringing together over 250 individuals: patients, families, professionals, volunteers, collaborators, and institutions.

The event will serve to remember the journey undertaken and look towards the future with the premiere of a documentary created to commemorate this milestone. "The objective of the gathering is to celebrate with the kidney patients, families, institutions, and also with society as a whole this historic milestone," explains Saioa Aramendi, an employee of the entity.

The association was founded in 1976 by a group of people with kidney disease, at a time when dialysis and transplant options were far more limited. Since then, Alcer Gipuzkoa has evolved in step with medical advancements and the needs of those affected.

"Things began to change for the better. Access to dialysis became more common, and transplants increased, but new needs also emerged for kidney patients and their families," notes Aramendi. The association has strived to adapt to each reality, advocating for specific resources and support. "Ensuring that responses are as closely tailored as possible to the reality of each affected person has always been one of our objectives," adds Itziar Egurbide.

Its psychosocial and sociosanitary care service, now in its 40th year, provides psychological and social support, dietary-nutritional counseling, and dialysis slot management for family respite. Throughout its history, the entity has supported over 3,909 families affected by chronic kidney disease and handled more than 26,783 consultations.

The sensitization campaign for organ donation has been a constant companion throughout the association's history. Since 1978, it has promoted awareness campaigns and maintains the territorial registry of organ donors in Gipuzkoa, currently listing 66,791 individuals. "These are people who have put their will to donate their organs in writing if they ever pass away under suitable conditions," explains Aramendi.

The anniversary coincides with Donor Week. Last Wednesday marked Donor Day, a date used to recall the importance of continuing to foster a culture of donation. Alcer Gipuzkoa insists that "society increasingly understands the importance of transplantation and is more aware, but we must continue working".

The association also uses this anniversary to focus attention on a still little-known disease. Chronic kidney disease has an underdiagnosis rate exceeding 40% and is known as the "silent epidemic" because its initial symptoms often go unnoticed. Therefore, the entity calls for continued progress in early detection and comprehensive, coordinated patient care, as several studies suggest it could become the third leading cause of death by 2050.

Despite the pending challenges, the anniversary is primarily an opportunity to express gratitude. Gratitude to those who founded the association half a century ago, to those who have worked there over the years, and to those who continue to support people with kidney disease at every stage of their lives.