Born in Mexico on July 7, 1990, Erika is a well-known TV host and speaker. But behind the spotlight lies a story that shines even brighter: one of courage, resilience, and the transformative power of organ donation. Diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus at just 20 years old, Erika’s life changed overnight. The illness progressed rapidly, and her kidneys failed completely. Doctors gave her two months to live.
Then came a miracle: her friend Gabriela stepped forward and gave Erika the most precious gift of all—a kidney. The 2015 transplant didn’t just save Erika’s life; it opened the door to a whole new chapter.
“I was given a second chance—not just to survive, but to truly live,” Erika says. And live she has.
With her newfound strength, Erika embraced sports as a lifeline and a platform. Triathlon. Cycling. Medals. Victories. But more than anything, a mission. She has become a powerful advocate for organ donation, showing the world that transplant recipients are not defined by limitations, but by what they rise above.
“Sports gave me strength and purpose,” she shares. “They let me prove—not only to myself, but to others—that we can achieve greatness after a transplant. This is not the end. It’s a new beginning.”
Erika has already made her mark on the global stage, winning medals at past World Transplant Games in Málaga and Newcastle. But WTG2025 in Dresden holds a special place in her heart.
“The Games are more than competition,” she says. “They are a celebration of life, of resilience, and of every single person who made the choice to become a donor. I’ll be in Dresden to compete, yes—but even more so, to inspire.”
This summer, Erika plans to once again push her limits in triathlon and cycling. And as she rides through the streets of Dresden, the city won’t just see an athlete in motion—it will see a life reborn, a message carried forward, and the power of one friend’s gift echoing far beyond the finish line.
