Bad Hersfeld – And Not only can a stem cell donation save lives, it can land you at the head of government in one of the world’s ten largest economies.
This is exactly what happened to student Jonathan Kehl (22) from Bad Hersfeld: The lifesaver met Justin Trudeau (50) in the Canadian capital Ottawa!
► It happened like this: Hesse had in 2017 in DKM extension to record. There was a stroke in 2019, he was a possible donor. Kehl: “I didn’t hesitate for a second, it was natural for me to help.”
► At first he only knew that the donation had gone to Canada – in autumn 2021 he received a letter of thanks in German and English from there. Sender: Dominic LeBlanc (54), the man who saved his life! LeBlanc is a member of government in Canada, including the Minister of Infrastructure.
Jonathan Kehl and Minister Dominic LeBlanc in the study by CBC Power & Politics (Canada)
Kehl replied how grateful he was to know LeBlanc was okay. Subsequently, they got to know each other better and better via video telephony. Finally, the Canadian invited Hesse to his home. Kehl: “We fell into each other’s arms and there was a direct connection between us. It feels like we’ve known each other forever.”
The student also met LeBlanc’s wife and stepson: “I was welcomed with open arms and we immediately bonded. They cooked for me and we told each other about our families”.
Kehl during the stem cell donation
But the Canadian also presented his life jacket to friends and work colleagues. Most important: Justin Trudeau. Kehl: “We talked about my donation and he thanked me very much for it.”
