The death of Frances Hogan's father due to complications from a transplant served as a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing life as she prepares to undergo the same surgery.
The Tipperary businessman, 47, said he was now at the same stage his father was at before undergoing kidney surgery more than 20 years ago. His father was 49 years old.
Francis, who has polycystic kidney disease (PKD) – a genetic disease that causes the kidneys to enlarge and lose function over time – recently visited Kerry Atoll despite having only 10% kidney function. After cycling, my expectations were subverted.
The father-of-five, who took part in the challenge as part of the annual Ring of Kerry charity cycle, was joined by fellow cyclists from Upperchurch Drombane Cycling Club. The group took part in the event to raise vital funds for the Irish Kidney Association.
Francis, who achieved the feat just two days before starting dialysis, explained why fitness is so important to him.
“My father had a kidney transplant, but he passed away the next day. The transplant was successful, but he had to rest to lower his potassium levels, and that's when his heart broke. I was 24 years old. Fitness wouldn't have been a big deal to my dad, but I want to be as healthy as possible.
“When you know you're going to end up on the operating table, you want to be right. You also have to keep living. I hope people with the same symptoms as me feel like there's nothing they can do. If I were walking down the street with my son and wanted to jump into the river, I would jump into the river. Life shouldn't stop just because you're sick. ”
Francis explained why being on the transplant list is a positive step.
“Times are different now. I was wondering for a long time because it wasn't on the list. Even though my kidney function was normal, I also had other complications. Fortunately, the tunnel There was light at the end. Now, every day I get closer to getting a kidney.
“I'm not a religious person, but when I meet people and say they're praying for me, I appreciate it. I've met a lot of people through my work. Some people may not know me, but they know my faith.'' It's always nice to hear words of support like that. ”
Francis is a symbol of resilience when speaking to people. at the newly opened Munster Kidney Support Center in Wilton.
Located within walking distance of Cork University Hospital, the facility provides day care facilities and accommodation for kidney patients, their families and carers. All services provided by our facility are free of charge.
The property has 6 en-suite bedrooms and also has a recreation hub.
The spacious garden is also popular with patients and their families, who can take a break from the hospital's clinical environment.
Frances, who has only been receiving peritoneal dialysis, which functions like a kidney, for a few days, is already benefiting from the center as she undergoes dialysis training at Cork University Hospital.
He praised the Irish Kidney Association's efforts in promoting donations in Ireland. The 47-year-old is also keen to raise awareness about the cause.
He told how a friend had recently come forward to be tested as a potential donor.
“She called me and asked how she could donate. I thought she was talking about a fundraiser, so I told her to go to the i-donate page. At that point she explained that what he wanted to donate was a kidney. I was surprised, because it takes a certain outlook on life to want to do something like that. I was ignorant enough about it myself.
“I advised her to talk to her friends and family about this so she could be really sure. Anyone considering donating should consider how this will affect their family. The donor will need to take several weeks off work while he or she recovers.
“You also have to be careful not to upset the other person too much if they don't get along.”
He pointed to the support available.
“We also have a lot of support in this area from the Irish Kidney Association, with counseling available and people who are considering donating a kidney, like my friend, can benefit from their support. It's there to be used, and we hope people will use it. This support is for both people who are receiving kidney donations and people who are donating their kidneys. available to families.”
Frances is determined to make the most of her life until her transplant.
“My biggest side effect is fatigue. I don't have the energy I used to. But I'm not sitting back and watching the world go by in front of me,” he said.
“I don't want to wait for something to give me life again. I think that's the mistake people make. It's better to live while you're sick.”
He aspires to be a positive role model for his five children, including Daniel, 22, Dale (17), Sierra (14), Byron (12) and Leon (9). There is.
“My family is very supportive, but my youngest son Leon is probably the glue that holds us together. He is very affectionate and always hugs me.”
