‘Giving life to another is something beautiful’

Vandana Doekhie received a new liver at age 17. Since that surgery, she lives without much medication and with just as much energy as anyone else. She says: “I owe it all to my donor. Otherwise, I wouldn't be sitting here now.”

A difficult diagnosis at a young age

When Vandana was 16, she was told that 75% of her liver consisted of malignant tumors. Surgery was not possible because the tumors were in a difficult location. Only a liver transplant could save her. “I ended up on a rollercoaster. To survive, I needed a donor liver quickly.”

Family supported her choice without hesitation

Vandana comes from a Hindu family. In some religious traditions, you are not allowed to donate or receive organs because your body would no longer be intact for reincarnation. But in her family, it was different. “No one doubted for even a second whether transplantation was right. My parents and two uncles actually wanted to donate themselves, but that wasn't possible for various reasons.” She emphasizes: “You give life to another. They thought that was something beautiful.”

Quickly back to school and normal life

After her surgery, Vandana wanted to pick up her studies quickly. She was in her final year of pre-university education (6 VWO) and had already missed exams. She caught up on those that same school year. “I was determined to start studying in September. At least I had control over the course of my studies.”

She studied Business Administration and then completed two master's degrees, including Financial Law. She now works with great pleasure in the financial sector. She travels a lot and enjoys life. “That is all possible because I am physically strong.”

Living consciously and enjoying family

Vandana lives consciously because she knows how fragile life can be. She spends a lot of time with her family, especially her nieces and nephews. “I enjoy my sister's children immensely. That I get to experience them is fantastic.”

A liver shared with a baby

Vandana received two-thirds of the donor liver. One-third went to a baby. That is possible because a liver can grow and resume its function. “That baby from back then must be around 20 now. And I am still alive, thanks to the donor.”

She finds it special that one donor with a ‘yes’ registration could give two people a new chance at life.