Submitted by Jules Baartmans, Executive Director –BNI Utrecht-Nijmegen, Netherlands

Pictured: Beatrice Kruger and Meta van der Laan

Business contacts can lead to great gestures which testify the goodness of humanity. This is the story of how Meta van der Laan received a kidney from an unexpected source.

This life saving gift came through the business network of her husband, Hans Lamoré.

Meta suffers from a hereditary cystic kidney disease. A transplant is the only possibility for living a healthy life.

Over the last few years Meta’s kidney function deteriorated so much she considered dialysis. However, kidney dialysis is a tough treatment that affects the quality of life.  And no suitable match for a kidney transplant could be found among Meta’s relatives.

Suddenly a lifesaving offer came her way—in a most unexpected place.  Meta’s husband, Hans, has been a member of BNI 'Hermes' in Zeist (Netherlands) for more than three years now.  Through this network, Meta and he forged a friendship with entrepreneur Beatrice Kruger and her husband.

Beatrice kept a close eye on Meta's health. When Meta’s health worsened, Beatrice spontaneously offered her one of her own kidneys. A period of medical tests followed during which the suitability of the kidney was examined.

To everyone’s delight the tests showed a perfect match between Meta and Beatrice! On December 10, 2010, the surgery was performed in the Leiden University Medical Centre. Now, one and a half years later, Meta lives in good health.

Beatrice says, "Meta is a beautiful person. It's amazing to give the gift of life, as you're not living just for yourself. I'm very happy I was able to contribute to a bright future for Meta and Hans."