Erika Kaiser
34, kidney recipient
Name:
Erika kaiser
Date of Birth/Age:
07.07.1990
Country:
Mexico
Since when have you been transplanted?
I received my kidney transplant in 2015, thanks to the incredible generosity of my friend Gabriela, who donated her kidney to save my life.
Which organ was transplanted?
Kidney.
Why was the transplantation necessary, and what has it enabled you to do?
I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus at the age of 20, and by the time I was diagnosed, it was already very advanced. Doctors told me I had only two months to live. My kidneys failed completely, and I had to go through dialysis. My transplant saved my life—it gave me a second chance not only to survive but to truly live. Since then, I have dedicated myself to promoting organ donation, sports, and a healthy lifestyle, showing that transplant recipients can lead full, active, and inspiring lives.
How was the time for you just before and after the transplant?
Before the transplant, I was struggling with severe health issues, including dialysis, fatigue, and the uncertainty of my future. After the transplant, my body regained strength, and I started training in sports. This journey completely changed my perspective, pushing me to become an advocate for organ donation and an example of what is possible after a transplant.
What role does sports play in your life?
Sports are not just a passion for me—they are a way to prove what a transplant patient can achieve. They have given me strength, discipline, and a platform to inspire others. Competing at an international level has allowed me to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle for transplant recipients and people with chronic illnesses.
What have you already achieved in sports?
I have won multiple medals at the World Transplant Games, including in Málaga and Newcastle. I have competed in triathlon and now also in cycling. My achievements are not just personal victories—they are proof that transplantation is not the end, but a new beginning.
What do you associate with the World Transplant Games, and why are you excited about WTG2025 in Dresden?
The World Transplant Games represent life, resilience, and the incredible gift of organ donation. They are a celebration of what we can achieve after transplantation and a way to show the world that donors are saving lives. I look forward to Dresden 2025 not just to compete, but to inspire more patients to take on sports and a healthy lifestyle.
In which competitions will you likely compete in Dresden?
I plan to compete in triathlon and cycling, continuing to push my limits and proving that transplant recipients can achieve extraordinary things.
