New Laois Dad Kevin McEvoy died while waiting for a heart transplant list

The Raowa family, struck by a tragic bereavement, is urging its citizens to remember the gift of organ donation in their darkest times.

Kilesin's Sarah Maxevoy bravely spoke about her beloved brother Kevin's death to heart condition last September.

At just 34 years old, he had just married his wife Deborah two years ago, and they welcomed their baby son, Kielin, into the world.

“In 2019, Kevin was diagnosed with heart failure, and his condition was managed under the excellent care of St. James Hospital.

“However, at the beginning of last year, Kevin's condition began to decline rapidly and he was transferred to a mother's hospital to begin his journey for a heart transplant. He spent the last 140 days in the care of their amazing staff.”

The family is grateful for everything from professor to Porter, calling his nurse “Kevin's Angels.”

“His life was dependent on a new mind. A heart belonging to someone else. There was a lack of suitable donors. We waited for months. Every day, full of hope and prayer, he gets calls.

“My parents were by his side every day and did their best to maintain Kevin's spirit while he was alone in the hospital room. He should have been with his pregnant wife and scanned him.

“Instead, he was on a strict diet, ready for his transplant and weighed on the weight. The whole community wanted and prayed. Everyone waiting for the good news. And nothing.”

Kevin became increasingly sick while waiting for the phone.

“As a family, we never talked about Kevin's death or life without him. When he passed, everyone was totally shocked. We were sure he would get a heart.

“Now we don't have any brothers, sons, husbands, fathers, uncles, nephews, cousins, friends.

Sarah in a photo of her brother Kevin.

“We are shattered by loss. We don't want another family to endure this pain. One donor can save seven lives. Don't leave your loved one in doubt. Tell them you want to donate your organs.

“I'll carry my donor card, download the app and notify my next relative,” Sarah asks.

A new Irish law called the Human Organization Bill was signed into law on February 28th this year by President Michael D. Higgins, introducing an “opt-out register” for those who do not want to become donors.

Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024 will be held from April 20th to 27th. Ireland Kidney Association (IKA) In relation to organ donation transplantation of HSE in Ireland (ODTI).

The public is asked to mark Organ Donor Awareness Week by discussing with loved ones about organ donor donor donation and informing them of their wishes about organ donation.

Please refer to donor cards www.ika.ie/get-a-donor-card Or call IKA on 01 6205306