Looking Back: ‘Sharing Knowledge – Saving Lives!’

Under the motto “Hanover shows what donation can do,” the German Society for Tissue Transplantation (DGFG) hosted its first information day on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. The event invited students and nursing trainees to explore the topic of donation in all its forms. The DGFG was supported by AOK Niedersachsen in organizing the day. Held at the Hanover Congress Center, the event drew more than 150 participants, who had the opportunity to learn about organ, tissue, blood, and stem cell donation through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.

At the heart of the event was a panel program moderated by Dr. Carola Holzner, known as “Doc Caro.” Organ and tissue donation coordinators, transplant officers, recipients, family members, and others affected shared their powerful stories, raising awareness and providing insights into organ and tissue donation. The final panel discussion featured State Secretary Dr. Christine Arbogast, adding further depth to the conversation.

The stage program concluded with a compelling appeal from poetry slammer Tobias Kunze, urging everyone to make a decision about donation, record it, and talk openly with their families. The day underscored the vital role of education, encapsulated by the slogan “Sharing Knowledge – Saving Lives!”

Tissue, organ, blood, and stem cell donations are essential components of healthcare in Germany. For many, they are life-saving or critical for restoring quality of life.

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The Essentials of Organ and Tissue Donation

As an emergency physician, Dr. Carola Holzner, widely known as “Doc Caro,” has extensive experience with organ, tissue, blood, and stem cell donation. She is deeply committed to raising awareness about these critical medical topics. At the event, she guided guests through an engaging panel program divided into three sessions. The first session focused on “The Essentials of Organ and Tissue Donation.”

Dr. Holzner was joined by transplant officers Dr. Florian Wild (Hannover Medical School) and Dr. Maik-Gerrit Schrader (DIAKOVERE Friederikenstift), organ donation coordinator Henning Bolle (Deutsche Stiftung Organtransplantation, DSO), and Dr. Jan Kniese (Physician responsible for donations at DGFG) as well as Carina Lützow (tissue donation coordinator at DGFG). Together, they explored the similarities and differences between organ and tissue donation.

A common misconception is that irreversible loss of brain function (IHA, formerly referred to as brain death) is a universal prerequisite for donation. While this is true for organ donation in Germany, it applies to only about 11% of tissue donations. In fact, approximately 87% of all tissue donations occur after cardiac arrest, with corneal donations possible up to 72 hours post-mortem.

Organ and tissue donation in Germany operate under the consent principle, as established by the Transplantation Law. A donation can only take place if the individual has given explicit consent during their lifetime or if their family consents on their behalf, respecting the individual’s wishes. Providing clear information through consultations is a key part of the donation process.

However, many people never make a decision about donation, let alone document it or share it with their loved ones. As a result, the burden of making this difficult decision often falls on family members.

Anyone could suddenly find themselves in need of a donation—or in a position to become a donor. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to think about organ and tissue donation early on and make their wishes known.

Organ and Tissue Donation: Personal Stories from Recipients and Their Families

Next, the audience heard from transplant recipients and their families in the session “Organ and Tissue Donation: Personal Experiences.” Anja Kälberloh was introduced to the topic of organ donation at a young age when her brother passed away while waiting for a heart transplant. Years later, she herself was placed on the waiting list for a corneal transplant, which prompted her to delve deeper into the topic of tissue donation. After the transplantation, she regained clear vision, was able to resume her daily life and career, and now enjoys the colorful world around her.

Julien Ziegler received a heart valve transplant last summer due to a congenital heart defect that had progressively limited his physical abilities. Thanks to tissue donation, he is now able to lead a normal, pain-free life.

Laura Nitsch shared her experience as a kidney transplant recipient after waiting for over 14 years. In late August, she received the life-changing call, and the transplant was a success. She also has a personal connection to tissue donation. When her father passed away in 2023, his cornea was donated. Together with her family, they honored his wish, and two people were able to benefit from the donation.

Panel Discussion: Organ and Tissue Donation – (Not) Just a Matter of Education

The third session featured a panel discussion on the topic “Organ and Tissue Donation – (Not) Just a Matter of Education.” Together with Dr. Holzner, Dr. Christine Arbogast (State Secretary for Social Affairs, Labor, Health, and Equality of Lower Saxony), Anna Barbara Sum (Managing Director and Co-Founder of Junge Helden e.V.), Henning Bolle (DSO Coordinator), India Heilmann (waiting list patient for a lung), Martin Börgel (Managing Director of DGFG), and Kristin Kleinhoff (Head of Corporate Communications at DGFG) discussed how education on donation should be shaped and what role it plays.

India Heilmann has been waiting for over three years for a lung transplant due to COPA syndrome, a condition that weakens her lungs. During her waiting time, she has been actively involved in awareness campaigns and educational efforts—an example of how education can make a real impact. More initiatives like this are needed. The panelists agreed that tissue donation often goes overlooked, with less public focus and communication compared to organ donation. The result is a significant knowledge gap in society and an imbalance in how organ and tissue donation are perceived. However, tissue donation is also crucial for patient care.

Through the Opt.Ink campaign, the organization Junge Helden managed to bring organ donation into the media spotlight and public attention—organ donation, a topic that, quite literally, gets under your skin. Could a similar campaign work for tissue donation? The panelists were somewhat skeptical. They pointed out that tissue donation would require much more foundational education and preparation. While it is essential to educate about both forms of donation, the differences between them should not be overlooked. This is a complex challenge that can only be addressed through the collaboration of many stakeholders, including the Federal Centre for Health Education.

Sharing Knowledge – Saving Lives: A Resounding Success!

The event aimed to close knowledge gaps and address misconceptions through a diverse range of educational offerings. “We want to educate young people early about the different forms of donation and encourage them to show, within their means, the impact of donation,” said Martin Börgel, Managing Director of DGFG, in his closing remarks. The event sent a powerful message about the importance of donation and surely inspired many participants to make informed and thoughtful decisions.

Participants had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and explore new information before and after the panel program through an accompanying exhibition. Interactive information booths were hosted by the German Organ Transplantation Foundation (DSO), the student-led initiative Aufklärung Organspende, the Northern Germany Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Donor Registry (NKR), the German Red Cross (DRK), and AOK Niedersachsen.

The educational event, “Sharing Knowledge – Saving Lives,” was funded with the support of AOK Niedersachsen and generous donations. The verdict from organizers and contributors alike: “Sharing Knowledge – Saving Lives” was a resounding success! A heartfelt thanks goes out to all those who made it possible.