BY JEROME HUGHES
ORGANISERS of Donegal’s Organ Donor Awareness Week campaign have hailed their efforts a huge success but are appealing for the donation message to resonate 365 days a year and not just 7.
Last year, Julie Egan, who lives in Donegal Town, underwent a simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant.
A diabetic since the age of 11, she developed kidney disease and for four years she underwent dialysis treatment, first at Sligo General Hospital and then in Letterkenny.
Julie, originally from Kerry, was a key figure for the Irish Kidney Association in terms of promoting Organ Donor Awareness Week, which concluded on Saturday.
The phrase ‘Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt’ was adopted as part of the week.
“I was just 11 when my world was turned upside down. My life became a constant struggle. Hospitalisations due to complications with my diabetes plagued my youth, teenage, and early adulthood years,” shared Julie.
“It was a very scary and stressful experience for me in early adolescence and I did not process it well. I suffered from anxiety and depression as a teenager,” she added.
Julie recalls how her health started to crumble after moving to Donegal town. She woke up one morning and could barely see.
Describing the experience as “such a shock and very frightening”, the expert medical diagnosis at the time was bleak.
“My vision had declined rapidly and, due to multiple eye haemorrhaging, I had complete loss of vision for almost six months. I then underwent major eye surgery at the Mater Hospital in Dublin,” explained Julie.
Now 36, and doing great, Julie has thanked her family, friends and staff at Letterkenny and Sligo hospitals, as well as The Mater, Beaumont and St Vincent’s Hospitals.
Julie says she owes her “newfound life” to her donor and their family, whose gift of life she cherishes every day.
“The emotions overwhelmed me. Gratitude, relief, and disbelief flooded my heart. To think someone’s selfless act, their decision to donate organs, giving me a second chance at life, it’s a feeling I struggle to put into words,” expressed Julie.
The Kidney Association is asking all of us to have a family discussion about organ donation.
Sharing our wishes when in good health helps family members to act on our behalf in the event of being a potential organ donor.
The signing in February of the Human Tissue Bill into law by President Higgins was seen as a significant milestone in the over 60 years of organ donation and transplantation in Ireland.
However, even after the new legislation commences, consent for organ retrieval will continue.
“With the planned introduction of altruistic donation and an opt-out register, we have an opportunity to engage the national population in an important conversation about organ donation,” said Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.
“By requesting an organ donor card (www.ika.ie/donorcard), you are letting the 600+ people, and their families, who are currently waiting for ‘the call’ know that there are people out there who are thinking of them,” said Carol Moore, CEO of the Irish Kidney Association.
Looking ahead with hope and confidence, Julie has exciting plans, including being a bridesmaid at her friend Alicea Breslin’s wedding next year.
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