New lungs are a second chance at life for Marcel. A life for sport. One year after a double lung transplant, he gets on his bike to thank his doctors and caregivers and to raise money for research. In 2026 he will participate as a badminton player in the European Transplant Games in Arnhem. “I want to show what is possible after such a major operation.”
“An emotional moment, but we had the confidence,” says Marcel (57) about the moment he is taken to the operating room for a double lung transplant. “When I woke up after the operation, I immediately wanted to get out of bed. A world of difference from before. After three and a half weeks I was back home. I had a flying start.”
Sports fanatic and animal companion
That flashy start characterizes the 57-year-old former construction fitter, sports fanatic and companion from Brabant. Been a member of the badminton club since he was fifteen. When the rehabilitation doctor advises ‘to start exercising again’ after an industrial accident, Marcel doesn’t like it at all. “I was ready for a bigger challenge and I also like to have fun. ‘I’m going to play badminton again,’ I said. He looked at me strangely.”
Life is good, Marcel marries his first love Janine. But after being diagnosed with SLE (Lupus), his health deteriorated. “During the renovation of our new house, my lungs crackled. It later turned out to be pulmonary fibrosis. I could still function fairly normally, but when I subsequently got corona, the final blow came. I could no longer do anything, I needed extra oxygen 24 hours a day. It was no longer necessary for me.”
We have two lungs for you
Screening for a lung transplant takes place at the Transplant Center Utrecht. Four months later, on Sinterklaas Eve, a big gift: Marcel is on the list for transplant. “Keep an eye on your phone and have a suitcase ready,” they said. Six months later the phone rang in the evening: “We have two lungs for you.” Ten minutes later the ambulance was at our door.”
Team Wi(e)lskracht
After his transplant, Marcel not only wants to recover, but also wants to give something back to the UMC Utrecht. “Then the plan came to start cycling to show what is possible again. My wife set up a crowdfunding campaign. Team Wi(e)lskracht was on our cycling shirts.”
For example, one year after the transplant, Marcel raised more than 3,000 euros. “On arrival you are carried. Everyone was ready to receive me, the doctors, physiotherapists, healthcare workers and people from the UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital Foundationthe hospital’s charity. It felt great.”
I’m going for gold
A year later, Marcel is back on the badminton court. He also joins TransFita foundation for athletes with a donor organ. “All those transplants among each other, it feels like one big family. You don’t have to explain anything, everyone understands each other.”
Marcel is now focusing on the European Transplant Games in Arnhem, where he will participate as a badminton player in TeamNL in 2026. “It will be a home game, I’m going for gold! Janine will be joining the Orange Legion. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Every day is precious
Marcel’s future revolves around sports and enjoying life. “Working is no longer an option for me, but I have energy for ten. This is due to the medication and of course the exercise, but also the feeling that every day is precious.”
Marcel and his wife have no children, but they do have two dogs and a large circle of friends. “Very nice, soon I will organize a high tea for everyone. Better with a warm hand than with a cold one.”
This story is part of the European Transplant Games campaign series ‘Stories Beyond Life’. Follow etg2026.nl for all stories. #StoriesBeyondLife
From Transplant to Performance!
With the campaign ‘from transplant to performance’ we raise money so that transplanted athletes can participate in the European Transplant Games that will take place from 21 to 27 June 2026 in Arnhem. In this way we honor donors, inspire others and show that a transplant is not the end, but rather a new beginning. Would you also like to donate? This can be done via the UMC Utrecht and WKZ Foundation campaign page: Donate now
About the Transplant Center Utrecht
The Transplantation Center Utrecht is the expertise center of the UMC Utrecht for kidney, heart and lung transplants in adults. We provide care to patients with organ failure who are eligible for a transplant, and to people who are considering becoming an organ donor. We also care for loved ones of deceased donors.
Care, research, education and innovation come together in our center. With us, patients receive personal, multidisciplinary care of high quality, tailored to their situation. We also develop and apply innovative techniques, such as regenerative therapies and organ replacement technologies. In this way we continue to improve transplant care.
Read more about the Transplant Center Utrecht.
