Life-saving liver donation breathes new life into recipient woman
Sandra Hügelschafer, a resident of Kleinkarlbach in the district of Bad Dürkheim, is making a difference by advocating for organ donation. Four years ago, Sandra fell ill and was hospitalized, leading to the discovery that 80% of her liver was destroyed.
Doctors told Sandra she would need a new liver to survive, and she became a "high urgent case." At the age of 41, Sandra received a new liver, and today, she is alive and thriving. This second chance at life is all thanks to someone's decision to become an organ donor.
Sandra's story is one of hope and resilience. She has a tattoo on her left forearm as a constant reminder of her transplant, and she shares her experience with others to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.
The Initiative Organ Donation Rhineland-Palatinate focuses on schools because young people are particularly open to the topic. This year, eight schools in Vorder- and Südpfalz are participating in the tour, with Sandra visiting to share her personal story and educate students on the impact organ donation can have.
18-year-old Marwa Marrawi and her classmate Jordan Karakasher were moved and impressed by Sandra's story. Sandra's advocacy work is not limited to schools. She also participates in the summer tour organized by the Initiative Organ Donation Rhineland-Palatinate.
For Sandra, the most important thing is that people make a decision about organ donation because it can relieve the burden on relatives. Ulrich Rüther of the Initiative Organ Donation Rhineland-Palatinate explained that 80% of Germans are positive about organ donation, but far fewer have an organ donor card.
Sandra's health issues have affected her ability to work as a kindergarten teacher, but she continues to dedicate her time to raising awareness about organ donation. In addition to her advocacy work, Sandra prepares for the World Transplant Games by engaging in regular and dedicated physical training.
The World Transplant Games celebrate the athleticism and success of transplant recipients, and Sandra's next goal is to participate in the Games in Dresden in August. She aims to compete in backstroke swimming, table tennis, and ball throwing.
Sandra's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact organ donation can have on someone's life. By sharing her story, Sandra hopes to inspire others to consider becoming organ donors and to raise awareness about the importance of making a decision about organ donation.
Sandra Hügelschafer's struggle with medical-conditions led to her advocacy for science, specifically organ donation, after receiving a new liver at the age of 41. Today, she actively promotes health-and-wellness by educating others about the life-saving impact of organ donation.
