Martina needs a new kidney

The story of the kidney "Nephro" and a successful living donation

 

 

Martina is six years old when her kidneys fail. Her life changes abruptly: a dialysis machine is connected every night and fluid is pumped in and out of her abdomen to remove toxins from her body. The better treatment would be a kidney transplant, but donor organs are rare.

Martina has already received a kidney as a gift from her brother. He made her a doll. "Nephro" is now Martina's constant companion.

 

 

Martina's parents decide to donate a kidney to their daughter. This is possible if the donor is healthy and the kidney is suitable. Only the mother is suitable as a donor. When mother and sister are at the Clinical Department for the operation, Markus draws the story of "Nephro". The kidney receives the message that it is urgently needed. She is happy to go and gets ready for the operation. When she arrives at Martina's, she reads the letters of thanks from the other organs.

Martina and her mother have come through the operation well. Both are doing well - even many years later.

 

"Nephro" and his cartoon story have encouraged many other children who are waiting for an organ. The KfH Kuratorium für Dialyse und Nierentransplantation has printed the cartoon in a brochure and distributed it to its young patients in the dialysis centers.

You can view the full cartoon here .