Finn, from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, will be celebrating Christmas free from being hooked up to a kidney dialysis machine for the first time in years, thanks to the generosity of the family of a kidney donor who lost a loved one.
He underwent a kidney transplant operation at Dublin's Temple Street Hospital in February last year and the sports-loving youngster is making up for lost time.
Finn was born with underdeveloped kidneys and for the past two years has been hooked up to dialysis machines for 10 hours at a time, overnight, six days out of seven.
His mother Lisa, an art therapist, said: “His childhood involved frequent visits to Crumlin and Temple Street hospitals, many overnight stays there and numerous medical challenges.”
“He missed out on a normal childhood, missed long periods of school and time with kids his age. Although he couldn't enjoy playing, he loved cheering on his dream team, Manchester United, on TV and also enjoyed watching hurling and football.”
In February last year, the family was notified that a donor had been found and, as it turned out to be a match, doctors at Temple Street were able to carry out a successful transplant.
It was also a turning point for his family, including his father Eoin and brother Leanne (18), who have had to adjust their daily schedules to keep Finn healthy.
“He had trouble vomiting food, was regularly sick and tired, and the kidney donation literally changed his life,” Lisa said.
“His recovery since the transplant has been remarkable. He is now back at school and enjoying time with his friends. His father, who was his primary carer, has returned to work as a postman.”
“Just six months after his transplant, he became the mascot for his club Manchester United when they played Athletic Bilbao at the Aviva Stadium.
“His bedroom once resembled a hospital, with dialysis machines, but now it is decorated with pictures of his sporting heroes.
“When Finn is scheduled for transplant surgery, Ryan takes on the challenge of taking a mock exam while his family cheers on his brother, a reminder of the silent sacrifices made by siblings of sick children.”
“But the ultimate selfless sacrifice is made by the families of organ donors to help families like ours, and we will never forget their 'gift of life.'”
“It takes two and a half hours to get from my home to Temple Street Hospital, but the Irish Kidney Association has provided me with proof of free accommodation, which has made the burden easier.”
Organ donation cards can be requested by visiting www.ika.ie/get-a-donor-card, calling the Irish Kidney Association on 01 6205306 or freetexting the word DONOR to 50050.
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