Andy Kavanagh, from Coolock, was 19 years old when he underwent the transplant at the Mater Hospital, where it was operated on by renowned surgeons Maurice Nelligan and Freddie Wood.
Kavanaugh, 57, defied expectations. Median survival after heart transplantation is about 15 years. He is now just one year behind the longest living person.
When he underwent life-saving surgery in 1986, only a few heart transplants were being performed.
Later, the An Post employee also underwent a kidney transplant and became a father and grandfather.
Kavanagh said she is thankful every day for her donor David and his family, who were killed by a drunk driver.
“David was the same age as me when he passed away. I was lucky to meet his family a year after the transplant,” he said.
“On the first anniversary of his death, we placed an ad in the newspaper to thank him and his family, and they contacted us.
“If it wasn't for their decisions, I might not be here today. Organ donation saves lives.”
Kavanagh was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy when he was 18 after a flu-like illness attacked his heart muscle.
He has also faced other life-threatening health battles, including being diagnosed with cancer in 2000 and having to have his kidney removed.
The anti-rejection drugs he was taking for his heart soon caused his other kidney to fail, requiring a kidney transplant, which was performed in 2006.
Today's news in 90 seconds – May 29, 2024
Martell Hospital began its heart transplant program in 1985 and continues to serve as the national center for heart and lung exchange.
More than 400 transplants have been carried out there.
Over the past decade, the program has expanded and now includes mechanical heart pumps that can be implanted in patients awaiting transplants.
Dr Emer Joyce, Consultant Cardiologist at Mater, said: 'Andy is one of the first of over 400 recipients to receive the gift of life through an organ donor through Mater's Heart Transplant Service.
“Given that the prognosis for heart transplant patients today is much better than it was when Andy received a donor heart in 1986, especially given that the prognosis for heart transplant patients is much better than it was when Andy received his donor heart in 1986. Considering his obstacles, his journey has been remarkable.”
