'When she said she wanted to be a donor, I went completely silent.'

When baby Ziva was only eleven weeks old, she became seriously ill. Only a liver transplant could save her life. The chance that a suitable donor liver would be available in time was slim. But her aunt Ronella donated a part of her liver – and with it, saved Ziva’s life.

A rare and life-threatening disease

Hannah still remembers the moment well. ‘Our world collapsed when we heard that Ziva had biliary atresia. It is a rare condition where the bile ducts are not properly connected to the intestines. She was only a few weeks old and was quickly placed on the waiting list for a donor liver. But the chance that a liver would be available in time was small. One in five children dies while waiting. If we didn't find a living donor, she would likely die within two years.’

Ziva’s parents wanted nothing more than to be donors themselves. ‘My husband Mark and I were both willing to donate a part of our liver, but our blood types didn’t match Ziva’s. That was a huge blow. I felt so powerless. I wanted nothing more than to run out into the street and ask random people if they would be donors.’

An unexpected offer

Then came the call from her sister-in-law, Ronella. ‘She said: “I want to give a part of my liver to Ziva.” I couldn’t say anything. I just stood there, frozen. The gratitude I felt is impossible to describe.’

Hannah calls the day of the transplant one of the most intense of her life. "I had to entrust my eight-month-old child to the doctors. At the same time, I was deathly worried about my sister-in-law, who had to undergo major surgery. Ziva’s transplant could take as long as sixteen hours."

Yet Hannah felt supported. ‘Our faith helped me. When I was with Ronella in the ICU and the doctor said that Ziva’s blood was finally flowing through her liver, it was such a special moment. Of course, it remained tense for weeks, but in the end, it turned out well.’

The decision to become a donor

Ronella thought about it for a long time before sharing her decision. ‘When I heard that Hannah and Mark weren't suitable donors, I started to pray. More and more, I had the feeling: maybe it’s me. I didn't share that with anyone at first. I wanted to be sure that I wasn't doing it on impulse.’

She considered everything very carefully. ‘I thought about my three children, about my work. I had just received a permanent contract at the GP practice. My husband would have to take caregiving leave. It wasn’t an easy decision.’ But then she thought of her late son. ‘In 2015, my son Mels was stillborn, after 38 weeks of pregnancy. I thought: it surely can’t happen that we have to bury another child in the family? Then I knew: I’m going to do this.’

A major surgery, a close bond

The examinations were thorough. ‘I was screened completely, both physically and psychologically. When it turned out I was a match, we were so happy. The surgery went well, although the recovery was tough. I spent three days screaming in pain. My body didn’t react well to the painkillers.’

At one of the most difficult moments, Hannah came by to see her for a bit. "It wasn't really visiting hours, but she just wanted to be with me. That is so characteristic of our bond. She isn't just my sister-in-law; she is also my friend."

'Everyone is allowed to see this scar'

A year after the transplant, Ronella has fully recovered. "When I see how Ziva plays, walks, and talks now – it’s a miracle. She is the happiest toddler I know. Of course, she remains vulnerable and will have to take medication for the rest of her life, but she is alive."

Ronella now bears a visible scar across her abdomen. 'I said to my husband Kees the other day: maybe I should buy a swimsuit instead of a bikini. But he said: “No way, everyone should see this.” And he’s right. It’s a stripe to be proud of.'