Heart transplant: Simone Lenz begins a new life in Bad Nauheim!

Heart transplant: Simone Lenz begins a new life in Bad Nauheim!

Simone Lenz, a 55-year-old woman from Bad Nauheim, recently celebrated an impressive return to life. After her second heart transplant, which took place a month ago, she is optimistic and full of energy. On April 10, 2025, she was placed on the high-urgency list due to her critical health condition. Six days later, she received the surprising news that a suitable heart was available for her - a real stroke of luck, because with her blood group 0, suitable donor organs are rare.

In 1992, Simone received her first heart after a serious heart muscle disease, which remained with her for almost 33 years. It is hard to imagine how she managed this long period of time despite increasing symptoms. The gradual process of deterioration eventually led her to Heidelberg University Hospital, where she was wheeled into the operating room on April 16, 2025 to receive a new heart.

A new beginning and gratitude

Simone Lenz would like to speak openly about her experiences and the new phase of her life. “I am endlessly grateful for the donor and his relatives,” she reflects. She is aware that her story can encourage others to address the issue of organ donation. Simone is currently undergoing follow-up treatment at the Wetterau Clinic. Despite the challenges, she has already made remarkable progress and can now walk 10,000 steps in one go.

One of Simone's central concerns is raising awareness of organ donation. According to the DSO, the organ donor card is an important document that enables a self-determined decision for or against organ donation. “It is important to inform your relatives of your decision, especially if there is no written identification,” she emphasizes. Since 2024, citizens in Germany have had the opportunity to record their decision digitally in the nationwide organ donation register - a good opportunity for more transparency and security.

A look at organ donation

Organ donations are an important part of the healthcare system. They can save the lives of up to seven people, considering that hearts, livers and kidneys, for example, can be donated. There are also a variety of uses for tissue donations. However, it is crucial that your own decision regarding organ donation is recorded, be it in the organ donor card or in a living will.

• Spenderorgane: Herz, Leber, Lunge, Nieren, Bauchspeicheldrüse, Dünndarm
• Weitere spendbare Bestandteile: Herzklappen, Augenhorn, -lederhaut, Hautteile, Blutgefäße, Knochengewebe, Sehnen

A debate about the objection regulation for organ donation is ongoing after a motion was introduced in the Bundestag in June 2024. The topic deserves attention because it directly affects each of us. The donor's wishes are placed above all else, and the decision to donate organs should always be made consciously and informedly in order to relieve the burden on relatives and save lives.

Simone Lenz is a sign of hope. With her new heart, she is optimistic about the future and would like to encourage others to address the important issue of organ donation.