Heart recipient and mother of donor share testimony
Magda and Erika were both members of the Organ Donor Foundation and Magda wanted to meet the recipient of Erika’s heart.
In January 2019, the South Coast Herald reported in “Survivor John has heart” that long-standing South Coast resident, John Wilsenach, had received a desperately needed heart transplant and that he was recovering well.
Today, John is indeed living testimony to the success of the Organ Donor Foundation and the medical skill of South African Transplant Units.
Not only is he doing well, the donor heart has enabled him to continue living a normal life.
John is back and hard at work in the paving business.
In 2020, he had surgery to repair hernias.
He recently underwent surgery to his neck and is recovering nicely.
It is truly amazing how a transplanted heart can take over and continue to give the gift of life so perfectly.
Perhaps more amazing is the fact that John recently met Magda van Muylwyk and that they shared their testimony with the congregation of the Margate NG Kerk in April.
Through the South Coast Herald article in 2019, Magda had put two and two together.
John was the recipient of her daughter, Erika’s heart.
Magda and Erika were both members of the Organ Donor Foundation and Magda wanted to meet the recipient of Erika’s heart.
Both Magda and John were advised to first receive guidance from a foundation psychologist, but they decided that they could wait no longer and that their religious beliefs would see them through.
For Magda came closure and the comfort that Erika’s heart had truly given the gift of life.
For John came the unusual opportunity of a recipient being able to express his sympathy and immense gratitude to the mother of his donor.
Please consider registering with the Organ Donor Foundation, you could save seven lives.
Call 0800 22 66 11, visit Facebook @organdonorfan or log on to www.odf.org.za.
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