20-year-old Maud shares her story of recovery after receiving a stem cell transplant. At the age of sixteen, she was diagnosed with acute leukemia, a form of blood cancer. While undergoing treatment, she remained determined to complete her final exams from the hospital. On the same day she learned that she had passed, she also received the news that a suitable stem cell donor had been found: her sister.
Although her physical recovery went well, adjusting to life afterwards was challenging. While friends moved on with their lives, she often felt isolated and had to rebuild both her physical and mental strength. Swimming, a sport she had loved since childhood, became an important part of that journey, helping her stay active and reconnect with others.
Today, she is a university student and a proud participant in the European Transplant Games 2026. Through swimming, she has found both community and confidence, and she hopes her story will inspire more young transplant recipients to stay active and connect with others who share similar experiences.
