In the middle of the city of Zagreb, we stumble upon this immense tableau. A statue of a basketball player, with the name Dražen Petrović. It turns out that we encountered the Dražen Petrović Memorial Center.
In spite of obstacles brought on by health issues, we traveled to this city to consider our future aspirations as a family, particularly for me as a patient (representative) to overcome these challenges and make 2026 a sporting year. It looks like a coincidence that left us inspired.
“Sports is the common denominator in the world that brings everyone together. If there’s any one place in the world where there is equality, it is probably sports.” – Stephen M. Ross
Let’s stop and pause for one short moment of self-pity. I actually felt left behind as a child, not because I was in the hospital often—I had friends and school there as well. You actually have to do your homework while on dialysis or when you are admitted to the hospital. There was one thing that I could not keep up with my peers. It was doing sports. When trying to run for 100 meters, I would be exhausted. Equality is a beautiful word; however, first you need to be able to join the team.
Even after a transplant, a new kidney, and a new life, it is a challenge to get (back) on track. In this (Dutch-written) blog, ‘Je bent jong, dat kun je zelf wel!’ several patients’ experiences describe the effort it takes and what setbacks get in the way. Fortunately, help is on its way!
Peter van Maurik, actively involved with Transfit, is the empowering frontman of Transfit. He is a Marine man with a mission.
TransFit is a nationwide sports community for organ and stem cell transplant recipients. It promotes an active, healthy lifestyle after transplantation through guided training, events, and a supportive community. The goal: becoming stronger together after transplantation.
(See the original article on & press the translate button right at the top of the screen): ‘Achievements that no one thought were ever possible again’
Peter took up swimming in the fall of 2016, a year after his heart transplant, as a way to celebrate his renewed life and honor his donor. At the 2017 World Transplant Games in Málaga he became world champion in the 50m breaststroke, also earning silver medals in the 50m and 100m backstroke and the 50m freestyle. One year later, in Cagliari, he claimed the European title in the 50m backstroke. He went on to become world champion in both the 50m and 100m backstroke at the 2019 Games in Newcastle/Gateshead, and in 2023 he added three more gold medals at the World Transplant Games in Perth—including a world record in the 50m breaststroke.
Transfit took up the idea to organize the European Transplant Games 2026 in the Netherlands. And next weekend, the time has arrived! On Sunday, 2026, the European Transplant Games will start in Arnhem.
In 2026, the Netherlands will be the host country for the European Transplant Games. The municipality of Arnhem will host organ and stem cell transplant recipients and people undergoing dialysis from all over Europe from June 21 to June 27. [More info and countdown on: https://etg2026.nl/]
Message to the world
The message is shaped by survival, gratitude, and the extraordinary power of second chances. After receiving a life‑saving organ transplant, the athletes chose not only to rebuild their lives but also to honor the donors by pushing the limits of what is possible. As Peter himself stands as living proof that hope is stronger than fear, that resilience can be trained like a muscle, and that gratitude can become a lifelong mission.
Back to my story, there is really no excuse anymore to feel sorry for myself. It is time for me to make up for what I missed in my youth—a quiet promise to myself that it’s never too late to reclaim joy, strength, and possibility.
Media:
caretobear.link 
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