Beyond the Scar
Beyond the Scar will be a bold and intimate documentary spotlighting several organ transplant recipients who have turned survival into transformation. Through powerful, cinematic storytelling, the film will capture how individuals push limits, redefine identity, and embrace life fully. Beyond the Scar will aim to inspire anyone going through the transplantation journey to realize they are capable of far more than survival—they are capable of greatness!
Project Overview
"Beyond the Scar" will document the remarkable journeys of five individuals who didn't just receive organ transplants—they transformed their second chance into extraordinary achievement. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lilo Vilaplana, this feature-length documentary will follow transplant recipients who are redefining possibility in their fields—anywhere from a pioneering neurosurgeon to an ultramarathon runner, a groundbreaking researcher to a global humanitarian. Their stories will reveal how facing mortality becomes a catalyst for exceptional contribution. These won't just be medical success stories; they'll be profound human narratives about purpose, gratitude, and the stunning potential unleashed when life is given new meaning. Through intimate portraits and compelling storytelling, "Beyond the Scar" will challenge us to consider what we might accomplish if we lived each day as the gift it truly is.
Get Involved
We’re currently casting for Beyond the Scar, a documentary that will feature four transplant recipients from around the world who have turned their second chance at life into something extraordinary. We’re looking for individuals who, in their own words, believe they’re living a remarkable story following any type of organ transplant—heart, liver, lung, kidney, or beyond.If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you.Please send us a short video (2–5 minutes) introducing yourself and answering the following:Tell us your transplantation story.What are you currently pursuing that feels bold, ambitious, or boundary-pushing?How do you define success after transplantation?What do you hope others take away from hearing your journey?🗓️ Deadline: September 1, 2025Your story might just be the one that helps change how the world sees life after transplant.
My Story
My Story:
My name is Andres Fernandez Vilches. I was born in Madrid, Spain in 1994 and received a life-saving liver transplant in August 1996 at Hospital 12 de Octubre. That moment 30 years ago shaped my future. Growing up, I was incredibly active—playing all kinds of sports before focusing on cross country and golf, which eventually led me to compete in Division 1 golf at Stetson University, as well as run four marathons.
Outside of work and athletics, I find joy in reading, traveling, photography, playing chess, and spending meaningful time with friends and family. However, I've always been drawn to competitive endurance sports—not just for the physical challenge, but for how they push the limits of the mind and spirit.
My mission with this project is to show individuals who are about to undergo—or are currently navigating—the organ transplant process that life on the other side isn’t about just surviving. It’s about thriving. I want them to see that they are not defined or limited by their transplant. That they, too, can push the boundaries of what they think is possible, and that ethos will be embodied by every featured recipient in this documentary.
This project is personal. It’s a tribute to resilience, and a reminder that the human spirit is far more powerful than we think.
A word from my Mom:
Being a mother is the most wonderful experience in the world, or at least that’s what I hoped it would be. But nothing prepares you for bringing a sick child into the world. What should have been a moment of immense joy turns into pain, and light turned into darkness. And yet, an inner strength emerges—a force ready to protect and to fight. It's the only way forward.Andrés was born on December 18, 1994. I remember it was a cold, but sunny winter day. After a long and painful birth, he came into the world. Although he was underweight, nothing initially alerted the doctors to what was coming. When the nurse placed him on my chest, I immediately sensed that something wasn’t right; I could feel it in his eyes. After a few minutes of holding and enjoying my baby, the doctor decided he should be taken to the nursery for observation. Soon after, Andrés’ skin began to change color, turning yellow, as did the whites of his sad little eyes.He spent his first Christmas in a new clinic, surrounded by other babies.
After many long days and multiple needle pricks, which led to a blood transfusion, he was misdiagnosed with Biliary Atresia. The correct diagnosis came later from the wonderful gastroenterology team at Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid. My son was born with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a condition that only manifests in a small percentage of babies. Because of it, his liver was dying.After weeks—or months (I can’t even remember anymore)—in the hospital, we were finally able to bring him home to his older brother. Despite every effort to avoid a liver transplant, it became the only viable option. Andrés weighed only 6 kilos when he was added to the transplant list. He needed to reach 10 kilos for his little body to withstand such a complex surgery. So I learned how to insert a nasogastric tube into his stomach through his tiny nose, with the help of his father who held his little arms still. Every night, we connected a bottle of milk to the tube. Gradually, he gained weight each day, until finally, on August 31, 1996, we received the call—long anticipated, yet deeply feared.I remember bathing him with Betadine in the small hospital sink. I remember his anguish and my own as they wheeled him into surgery; our little hands slipping apart as they passed through the cold corridors of the hospital. Andrés was 20 months old and weighed 9.3 kg.The feeling of not knowing if you’ll see your child alive again is terrifying, but at the same time, there was a glimmer of hope shining through.Dr. Moreno reassured us during the operation. He told us that Andrés’ liver was in very bad shape and wouldn’t have lasted another three months. Seeing him again after 11 hours of surgery filled us with immense joy, and above all, peace. I comforted him by singing to him while he was in the ICU. What was astonishing was how quickly he recovered. The yellow color in his skin soon faded, his smile returned, and his eyes lit up. On the day we were discharged, he ran down the hospital hallway with amazing speed, not once looking back. He hasn’t stopped running since—partaking in many school races, and later, in official marathons. Sports became his companion, helping him overcome both physical and mental barriers.There’s a clear “before” and “after” in life following a liver transplant.
Andrés has played golf for as long as he can remember, so now he’s playing his mulligan, a second chance that inspires him to live the present with enthusiasm and to look to the future with hope.The liver came from another boy like him, a little older…
Wherever you are, you still live on in Andrés.With infinite gratitude,
Marilina
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has received an organ transplant and is achieving extraordinary feats in their professional or personal field, we'd love to hear from you. We're also welcoming conversations with potential sponsors, medical organizations, and distribution partners who share our vision for highlighting these inspiring journeys. Join us in bringing these powerful stories to the world.