"Such an eventful life is not a matter of course"
Chantal, heart transplant since 2005 at the age of 13
I'm Chantal, 28 years old, I successfully completed my studies at the beginning of 2020 and I'm in goal for a national field hockey league team. When I have time, I enjoy playing tennis or golf and skiing in winter. But the fact that I am able to lead such an active life is not a matter of course. Rather, I owe it to a person unknown to me who gave me the greatest gift a person can receive: life. Over 15 years ago, I was waiting for a donor heart connected to a circulatory support system at the German Heart Centre in Berlin. An inflammation of the heart muscle turned me from a healthy and sporty 11-year-old girl into a patient on the transplant list from one day to the next. A donor heart was my only chance of survival.
"Above all, I like to look forward."
When I look back today, I can say that I experienced almost all the memories I have in my head today with my donor heart. But above all, I like to look forward and particularly enjoy the freedom I was given. I can be spontaneous, move around freely and lead a normal everyday life. Apart from my family and friends, these are the things I missed most during my time in hospital. To this day, I sometimes catch myself thinking that I have to detach myself from the hospital's usual wiring before I can get out of bed.
I will never be able to fully express my gratitude. In addition to my organ donor, I also have countless other people to thank for my life, some of whom are still by my side today and care for me.
The topic of organ donation is a matter close to my heart
It is therefore a matter close to my heart to confront other people with the topic of organ donation in order to show what a transplant can achieve. After all, it can happen to anyone suddenly, as it did to me.