A County Tyrone mother has appealed for donors to come forward to help her eight-year-old daughter, who needs an urgent kidney transplant.
Drumquin resident Cora Connolly was diagnosed with stage 3b chronic kidney disease earlier this year.
On Monday, her family received the shocking news that she needed a kidney transplant.
Her mother, Ashlyn, is urging others to consider becoming a living kidney donor to save her daughter's life.
She told the Irish News on Wednesday that for Cora and others like her, “the more people get tested, the better the chances of finding the perfect match”.
Cora, a pupil at St Joseph's College in Drumquin, is described by her mother as a “little woman” who loves art, hanging out with friends after school and going to youth clubs.
Ashlyn said Cora, who has three siblings, also started learning to play the piano.
She said tests revealed her daughter's “kidney function was declining” around this time last year, and on Monday the family was told her daughter's condition had worsened and she was now at stage 4. said.
“This time last year, Cora had a blood test that showed her kidneys were failing. And after a few weeks of retesting, the blood test results were still the same. A deep scan showed that all my kidneys were normal,” she said.
“So they gave her a little bit of a break from the heavy bleeding and called her after Christmas and started testing her again… To be honest, they didn't have an answer, so they decided to give her a break from the kidney failure.” I decided to do an inspection.
“At the beginning of June we found out that my daughter had stage 3b chronic kidney disease. It was an incredible shock and completely heartbreaking.
“At this point, I honestly had no idea what this meant for her.
“After Monday's appointment, blood tests and tests, we found out that our little girl needs a kidney transplant.”
Ashlyn said she was told that “our little girl will need a kidney transplant within six to 12 months.”
She said her family will undergo tests to see if they are compatible with the kidneys, but appealed to others to get tested as well.
“Our whole family is going to take the test to see if we can find the best match for our daughter. And that one of us can give her the best match. I’m praying,” she said.
“The more tests she takes, the more likely she is to find the best match.
“If anyone has thought of this, please get in touch…all you need to know is your blood type.”
She added that she was also thinking about others waiting for a transplant.
“Cora is not the only one in need of a transplant, so if you have ever considered becoming a living donor, please sign up,” she said.
“I don't want any other family to go through the heartache that we're going through.
“The support we are already receiving is fantastic and the more testing we do, the better our chances of finding your perfect match.”
To speak to a living donor coordinator at Donate Life, call 02895048293 or visit: www.donatelife.co.uk
