Kidney transplants offer recipients a significantly improved quality of life — often for decades. One such example is Eberhard Schollmeyer, who received a kidney 40 years ago and has since led a full life, including participating in the World Transplant Games. He embodies what organ donation makes possible: not only survival, but a life rich with family, work, and even athletic excellence.
This August, the World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden will showcase just how far transplant recipients can go — as athletes from over 60 countries demonstrate strength, resilience, and the power of second chances.
Despite these successes, the DSO warns that demand for donor kidneys remains high. As of the end of June 2025, more than 6,200 patients were actively listed as eligible for a kidney transplant, while only 793 kidneys were transplanted from deceased donors in the first half of the year.
Read the full press release from the DSO (in German):
👉 100.000. Niere in Deutschland transplantiert – DSO