Andorra Transplant Leader Toni Gamero Dies After Leukaemia Relapse

Toni Gamero, president of Andorra's Associació de Trasplantats i Donants d’Òrgans (Atida), has died following a relapse of the leukaemia he had battled for years.

Gamero passed away in Barcelona, where he had been hospitalised, either early Monday morning or at midday, according to reports from RTVA and the association. Originally diagnosed in 2019, he endured intensive chemotherapy and received a bone marrow transplant on 7 April 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 alarm state. He documented that experience in his book *Diario de una leucemia*, which drew him to Atida. He served as vice-president before taking over leadership in 2022 from Núria Gras.

A prominent advocate for organ donation, Gamero used his story to raise awareness about the physical, emotional and psychological challenges after serious illness and transplantation. He featured in campaigns, including a 2021 drive to promote bone marrow donation in Andorra, and helped organise events such as the third tribute to donors in Parc Central last October and Atida's 10th anniversary celebration a few weeks ago, which he could not attend due to health issues.

Last year, he represented Andorra at the World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany, securing a bronze medal in darts in the 50-59 age category. Around Sant Jordi, he had planned to launch his second book, *¿Y ahora qué?*, focusing on life after cancer, but the event was cancelled as his condition worsened. In a recent interview, he described the need to highlight changes in health, relationships and mental well-being post-diagnosis, crediting his "second chance at life" to his donor.

Atida expressed deep sorrow, praising his communication skills, humanity and lasting impact on sensitisation efforts and support for transplant recipients. The news has reverberated across Andorra's voluntary sector.