Hannah Dermody, a 30-year-old kidney patient from Freshford, county, in October 2024. Kilkennywho entered the world of kidney failure at just 11 years old, led the successful DARTS fundraiser, raising 7,075 euros. Ireland Kidney Association (squid).
Hanna has been undergoing dialysis treatment every night for the past nine years after a failed kidney transplant that she received two years later at age 19.
Hannah's family's gratitude to the Irish Kidney Association was the inspiration for the fundraiser, as its continued support for her and other kidney patients' health journeys.
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The center of its success was professional darts champions Alan Suter and Ricky Evans, who traveled from the UK to compete with local participants. Their presence brought excitement and star power to the fundraiser, bringing to thrilling fans, both old and young.
The fundraiser was hosted at a bar in McGrath, her family pub run by Hannah's mother, Philomena and her younger brother, Jack. They, along with her other brother Sam, helped enthusiastically on the evening of the event.
It was her brother Paul who helped Hannah in planning and organizing the fundraiser. He was four friends, along with four friends, locals Nior Kenney, Ray Talis and Stephen Farrell.
This is the third year in a row to organize a darts fundraiser, and revenue from the previous two events also supports philanthropy – Kilkenny Charity Teetom and Motor Neuron Disease Association.
Total fundraiser revenue was raised through sponsorship cards, online fundraising platforms, bucket collections from local mace stores, event night bucket collections and raffles.
“I was 11 years old, so my life revolves around kidney disease,” she said. “But I'm trying to maintain hope for my second port and make the most of what I can do.”
“The Freshford community is incredible and I would like to thank their support and generosity,” said Hannah, who thanked the locals for their fundraising efforts.
Hannah's journey with kidney disease began when high protein levels in the urine led to a diagnosis at the age of 11. The doctors have discovered that she only has one kidney, which works at just 30%.
During her teenage years, Hannah attended regular kidney appointments and frequently stayed at St. Luke and Krumlin Children's Hospital. At age 16, she moved to adult care at Waterford University Hospital (WUH).
When her kidney function dropped to about 10%, she had no choice but to start dialysis to survive. In her late teens, she began peritoneal dialysis (PD), a treatment she received every night.
In 2012, Hannah's life was a positive change when she received a kidney transplant.
She is deeply grateful for the selfless gift she gave to the family of the deceased donor. Unfortunately, the transplant lasted only two years, and then had to go back to dialysis.
For the past nine years, Hannah's life has revolved around nightly PD treatments at home, lasting up to 10 hours. These treatments were often complicated by infections at the area where her PD line connects to her body.
As these infections persisted, her kidney team prepared her for the possibility of transitioning to hemodialysis.
Unlike PD, hemodialysis is performed three times a week in the hospital, with each session lasting 3-4 hours. In preparation for this change in treatment, the f-hole has already been inserted.
When her recurring line infections are in control, Hannah wants to be accepted on the waiting list for a transplant and another opportunity for a better quality of life.
Despite these challenges, Hanna maintains a positive outlook. She works part-time at a local loop cafe and helps out at her mother's bar.
Unbound by the extra baggage of her PD dialysis machine, Hanna enjoys the holidays offered by the Irish Kidney Association at Kelly and Waterford Holiday Home.
For the past two years, her machine took her to Lanzaroth, where she led to it at night for her important, life-saving treatment.
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Hannah's story is a testament to the power of community, resolve and hope, encouraging people affected by organ failure to gather together and focus others.
More than 2,500 people are undergoing dialysis treatment in Ireland. 500 people are waiting for a kidney transplant, and about 100 more await other organ transplants, including the heart, lungs, liver and pancreas.
