Vasko Joleski, president of National Association 'Brave Heart', dies
Joleski lived more than six years with a mechanical heart pump and campaigned for improved care, lower costs and greater organ-donation awareness.
Vasko Joleski of Struga, the president of the National Association "Brave Heart", has died. He was known for his long campaign on behalf of patients with advanced heart failure who depend on mechanical circulatory support while awaiting transplantation.
Patient, advocate and public voice on organ donation
Joleski had been living with severe heart failure since 2011. In 2020 he received a mechanical circulatory support device, and he relied on that pump for his daily functioning while waiting for a suitable donor heart.
For years he led the National Association "Brave Heart" and used his position to press for better care and practical support for people with mechanical heart pumps. He regularly drew attention to the everyday challenges these patients face, including the high costs of treatment and the lack of comprehensive systemic assistance.
Joleski also worked to raise public awareness about organ donation as a way to increase transplant opportunities. His advocacy combined personal experience with public campaigning aimed at policy makers and the wider community.
Colleagues and fellow patients credited him with keeping the needs of this group in the public eye. No funeral details have been published so far.
Photo: SDK.MK)
