Elke Büdenbender reaffirms her support as patron of the World Transplant Games 2025

June 27, 2025

The World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden will be held under the esteemed patronage of Elke Büdenbender, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Germany—a fact we proudly shared earlier. Today, we’re excited to revisit and spotlight this meaningful patronage, which remains one of the most heartfelt endorsements of our mission to promote organ donation and celebrate transplant recipients worldwide.

As someone who has experienced transplantation firsthand—having received a kidney donation from her husband, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in 2010—Elke Büdenbender brings a deeply personal perspective to the role. Her continued engagement and advocacy for organ donation are rooted in lived experience and a strong belief in the power of second chances.

In a new video message, she reflects on the significance of the Games and the vibrant community of transplant athletes:

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