Lot is a vibrant young woman with an incredibly positive outlook on life, despite the fact that her daily routine is heavily influenced by her health. Born with a congenital heart defect, Lot was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) at just six years old.
Reflecting on her wait for donor lungs, Lot shares: “About four and a half years ago, they hoped I would get a transplant within a year, but you’re incredibly dependent on so many factors—supply, size, blood type—everything has to align perfectly.” Now, she finds herself yearning for that life-changing donation: “My freedom is very limited, and there’s so much I want to do. We haven’t been able to travel abroad since 2017. There are countless things I can’t do. I tire easily and am essentially confined to Groningen. The waiting is excruciating.”
“Thanks to Make-A-Wish, I had the incredible experience of driving horses. It was absolutely amazing. What made it even more special was being able to spend quality time with my entire family again, enjoying those moments together as a family of five. I had longed for that so much. We played games, stayed overnight at B&B De Sfeerhoeve in Beilen—it truly felt like a wonderful holiday. But the highlight was how driving the horses reignited my passion. It inspired me to return to Suus&Luus in Anloo, the women who first introduced me to horse driving. I asked if I could take further lessons, and they welcomed me with open arms! Discovering this discipline has been incredibly special. I adore horses—they are so genuine, and being around them allows me to escape everything else. Driving them, though, is different from riding; when you’re driving, you see the whole horse. It’s absolutely fascinating.
Many thanks to Louise Bouman, Chair of the Dutch Pulmonary Hypertension Association, for sharing this wonderful and very inspiring story on World Organ Transplant Day, August 13.
Publication of the photo was authorised by the Dutch Pulmonary Hypertension Association