Rose hopefuls from Tralee aim to raise awareness of organ donors while honoring the memory of their late grandfather.
Pharmacist Laura Durcan, 26, won the county competition over the Easter weekend and qualified for the final in August.
She wants to highlight the importance of organ donation in memory of her late grandfather Paddy Durcan, who died six years ago after a battle with kidney failure.
Laura, from Clonmel, said: “I am very pleased and honored to have been selected as a Tipperary Rose on behalf of the Irish Kidney Association and to be timely chosen at the start of Organ Donor Awareness Week.
“I will use my profile in this international competition to raise awareness of the plight of people living with organ failure and the indisputable benefits of organ donation and transplantation, as well as to raise awareness for the I hope we can honor the memory of my grandfather Paddy.”
Laura said she had received encouragement from her parents John and Anne, her sister Grace, her brother Jack, the Irish Kidney Association and her employer Pfizer in Kildare.
She further added: “Working as a pharmacist, I saw first-hand how organ failure impacts the lives of patients, including my colleagues, and the transformative benefits some people have experienced from organ transplants. I have seen the benefits first hand.
“But closer to home and to my heart is my late grandfather's experience with kidney failure, which had a huge impact on myself and my family.
“Six years ago, my grandfather Paddy, who I was very close to and loved dearly, passed away in his 80s after undergoing dialysis treatments three times a week for over 10 years.
“I am grateful that dialysis treatment has allowed me to live a long life.
“But towards the end, it took its toll, as he became seriously ill and no longer had the physical or mental strength to continue the difficult treatment with its side effects, and in his final months he had no quality of life. I lost it.”
Laura praised the “outstanding” staff who cared for Paddy at Castlebar, adding: “It's heartening to hear that the number of people receiving organ transplants has increased in the last year.
“This can give hope to those suffering on waiting lists.
“Unfortunately, my grandfather was not able to receive a transplant, but I hope that other families with elderly relatives waiting for a kidney transplant will be able to receive one.”
Keep in mind that advanced age is not a barrier to organ transplantation.
“I would like people to talk to their families about organ donation and let them know their wishes.”
