“From wheelchair to Miss Universe: a life saved by a kidney, a story of courage and rebirth”
A story of rebirth, resilience, and the gift of life
Hello, my name is Veranika TSITOVA, and I am originally from Belarus. Today, I am sharing my story to give strength to those who are still fighting. To those who are living on dialysis.
Four years ago, I was admitted to the nephrology unit, hovering between life and death. I drew on my last reserves of strength to fight for survival.
I was facing the unimaginable: both my kidneys had failed due to end-stage chronic renal failure following an infection.
I wasn’t even producing a milliliter of urine.
As toxins and fluids built up in my body, my legs became immobilized. I was diagnosed with lower limb neuropathy and ended up in a wheelchair. No one could tell me if I would ever walk again or even stand up.
I found myself in Geneva, Switzerland, in the expert hands of the nephrology team at Geneva University Hospitals (HUG). They are my heroes in white coats. Dr. Fadi HAIDAR and his team became my lifeline, offering me not only exceptional medical care, but also hope and family-like attention. We work together every day to make the kidney transplant happen.
The dialysis machine became an integral part of my life: three times a week, a minimum of four hours per session, sometimes even four to five sessions a week when my condition required it. It wasn’t just a machine, it was my lifeline. Hemodialysis purified my blood of dangerous toxins and excess fluid that my failing kidneys could no longer filter. High potassium levels often caused me heart pain, and sometimes the risk of sudden cardiac arrest was terribly real. I often found myself in life-threatening situations and was immediately hospitalized by ambulance to the emergency room.
Like all dialysis patients, I had to strictly control everything I consumed: water, tea, juice, soup, even fruit. Too much fluid in my body could make it difficult to breathe; too much potassium could stop my heart. It was very difficult for me not to be able to drink; I was always thirsty and couldn’t drink enough… it was really hard.
Despite all this, I never missed a dialysis session. Not once. Because I knew that dialysis wasn’t just my only choice, it was my chance to stay alive. Discipline is a must.
I chose hemodialysis in a hospital setting because of the safety it offered, especially for my complex health condition, which required professional monitoring. Dr. Patrick SAUDAN, head of the dialysis department, the nurses and doctors, and the patients always supported me, guided me, took care of me, and helped me get through each exhausting treatment.
I lived like this for nearly three years. During this period, I underwent surgery to remove my thyroid and parathyroid glands. A parathyroid transplant was also performed, and today, the cancer is under control.
But despite everything, I kept hope alive in my heart: the hope of a kidney transplant. A second chance at life.
That hope became reality when a close friend generously donated his kidney to me. His precious and generous gift changed everything for my health, my life, and my future.
My friend continues to lead a perfectly healthy life with his family, and I now live with his kidney, a part of him that helps me every day. I will be grateful to him for the rest of my life.
The transplant was a complex operation that lasted nearly seven hours. I had complete confidence in the incredible surgical team, Professor Philippe COMPAGNON and Dr. Rohan KUMAR, with the full support of Dr. Fadi Haidar. They gave me not only a new kidney, but also a new start. I am so grateful to them; my quality of life has improved dramatically. I can finally breathe again, both physically and emotionally.
A kidney transplant is not just a medical procedure, it is a rebirth. It brings fewer restrictions, more freedom, and the chance to live life to the fullest again.
Of course, after the transplant, I take immunosuppressant medication every day, which is a golden rule for all organ recipients in order to prevent organ rejection throughout their lives. I am very grateful to Dr. Kadiatou BALDET, who is a doctor at heart and who has looked after me in a very professional manner and cared for my health from the very first day of my transplant. We work together as a team to improve my health.
My legs were very badly damaged and I had to learn to walk again after the transplant.
I know from experience that anything is possible, and I relearned how to walk step by step, just like when I was a baby. Nerve endings take a long time to regenerate. I am participating in a rehabilitation program for transplant patients at the Beau-Séjour Hospital in Geneva.
I would like to thank the entire team that worked with me as part of the rehabilitation program. It has been very valuable to me. We didn’t just do physical therapy, we also took classes on various topics, ranging from medication to traveling after transplantation. This knowledge helps me in my daily tasks. And we have a very friendly group of patients. Together, we support and motivate each other. I suggest we continue our meetings to exercise or go for walks together. Today, I am sharing my story to give strength to those who are still fighting. To those who are living on dialysis.
To the families who support their loved ones. And to the medical teams whose work
changes lives every day with their hearts.
I would like to emphasize the vital importance of organ donation from living donors. In Switzerland and around the world, many people are waiting, hoping that someone will give them a second chance at life.
You can be that person. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or even a stranger.
You can donate a kidney and continue to live a full and healthy life. And by making this extraordinary choice,
you will not only save a life, you will leave a lasting legacy of compassion and courage. You have the power to change the world, one life at a time.
I am here today because of courage, compassion, and an unyielding spirit of survival.
And I am here to say: never give up. Help and hope are real. Miracles exist, thanks to science, sacrifice, and love.
This year, I am a finalist for Miss Universe Switzerland 2025, which is incredible for me with all my complications, from the wheelchair to the crown…
I can’t walk fast, especially not in high heels, and going down stairs remains a challenge. Every step I take requires effort and concentration.
My legs can’t dance or run because the nerve endings have been damaged and no signals can reach them.
I can’t even move my toes or stand on my tiptoes.
My body bears scars, reminders of surgeries, catheters, silent battles fought.
But I love to win. I’ve already won at life.
And more than anything, I want to be a living example for those who are going through disasters, illnesses, or anything that makes them feel broken or incomplete.
I want to show them:
That no matter how difficult things get, we must keep moving forward.
That confidence does not lie in perfection, but in perseverance.
That loving yourself, sincerely and fully, invites the world to love you back.
I walk more slowly now, at the extreme limit of a woman who believes in her dreams.
But every step I take is filled with determination and love.
And you too, never give up! Get up and walk!
