I am a donor because I wish the person who needs it a better existence and a new life. My brother donated organs/tissue and I received lungs myself, so I know what it means.

When my brother passed away, not much could be made available due to the consequences of the illness he had. But what he was able to donate went well. This is evident from the letter of thanks we received. The recipient has been given a different life, with more prospects for the future and can participate in society again. How beautiful is that.

​

I myself had a lung disease (familial pulmonary fibrosis) and the only chance of survival was a transplant. It's a long road, with only regression and the world getting smaller and smaller. Until I ended up in the hospital where I was waiting for new lungs. It was make or break. My wish was to go home one more day. With the wish ambulance they made this possible and I had a wonderful day with my loved ones. That day we went to the sea with my family. We enjoyed it so much! When I returned to the hospital department, I was told that I could continue to Utrecht. There were new lungs for me. I was transplanted the next day and 3 weeks later I was home. With air, without oxygen, I was able to pick things up again step by step. It was building up instead of just going backwards. I could make plans again. Have future prospects again.

Now a year and a half later, things are still going well and I enjoy my new life. Every day of the week, every hour of the day, so grateful that I have been able to receive. Eternally grateful to the donor and his/her family. My family can also breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy our new life again.

​

- Anonymous, 2024