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A heroic family has told how they survived a hat-trick of kidney transplants in just six months.
A series of unusual events that happened to a family spread all over the world. cork and mayo Last year, three life-saving surgeries were performed in quick succession.
Grandmother Margaret Fitzgerald, 70, from Butebent, north Cork, and her son Michael, 49, from Carrigaline, received kidney transplants from a deceased donor at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin just seven weeks apart.
But what made their journey even more remarkable was that less than six months later, Margaret's nephew, Joe Cotto, had his own living donor kidney transplant in Beaumont, thanks to donor brother Michael. It was something I received.
Margaret's mother, Elizabeth, died of a genetic disease called polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which was passed on to two of her six children, including Margaret and her brother.
Margaret's older brother, Joseph Kot, received a kidney transplant more than 30 years ago and passed away in March 2023 at the age of 77 after a short battle with illness.
Before he passed away, Joseph received good news that his son Joe Cott would soon receive a donor kidney from Michael Cott.
Joe, a farmer from Ballyclough, had only been on dialysis for a few weeks before his brother was happy to donate.
On April 24 last year, Joe and Michael were stabbed in Beaumont.
Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald and Mr and Mrs Cotts are grateful for the support they have received from the Irish Kidney Association throughout their work. health Travelers, the medical and nursing teams at CUH and Beaumont Hospital.
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They are sharing their stories to thank organ donors and support Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024.
Matriarch Margaret said of her family's third consecutive transplant surgery: “My brother Joseph's transplants lasted more than 30 years, and the fact that our family received one transplant after another in an incredibly short period of time this year gives us hope and hope.” Thank you.
“It was very unexpected that my nephew and son's transplants were successful twice, but I couldn't believe it when I was asked to undergo a transplant just seven weeks after my son's.
“I had resigned myself to having to wait a few years and was just happy that my son and nephew's transplants were successful.
“My kidney function had dropped to less than 10 percent, and I was about to start dialysis treatment when I received the call for a transplant.
“I had been feeling unwell and tired for a long time, but I had no idea how much of a difference a transplant would make.
“Immediately my energy skyrocketed. I'm still amazed at how easy simple things in life have become, like having endless energy to shop and spend time with my grandchildren.
“I couldn't believe it when I got the phone call. When I woke up after the transplant, it felt like magic and I had completely changed. Transplants are life-changing.”
Michael Fitzgerald added: “I would like to express my gratitude to the family of my deceased donor for changing my life and freeing me from illness, restrictions and the dialysis I had to undergo twice a week. I can't express in words how great it is,” he added. 21 months at CUH. ”
Joe Cotto praised his brother Michael Cotto for stepping up.
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He said, “I was very lucky that I didn't have to be on the transplant waiting list, and my brother Michael stepped up and he turned out to be the perfect fit.”
Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024 will be held from April 20th to 27th.
Calling on the public to discuss donations
The Irish Kidney Association is urging the public to use Organ Donor Awareness Week to have family conversations about organ donation.
Even after the new law, the Human Tissue Act, comes into force, consent for organ retrieval will continue to be sought from the families of all potential organ donors.
The event is organized by the Irish Kidney Association in collaboration with Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland and will run until April 27th.
Carol Moore, chief executive of the Kidney Society of Ireland, said: “We look forward to the commencement of the provisions of the Human Tissue Act.
“We are aware that the Department of Health and the HSE are working diligently on this matter and we look forward to announcing future implementation dates in the near future.
“With this law in place, people who do not wish to donate their organs will be able to opt out and their families will not be contacted in the event of an untimely death.
“Everyone who does not opt out is considered a potential organ donor, but the final decision remains with the family.
“This legislation will also allow for the first time in Ireland altruistic living donations where the donor does not know the recipient.”
Dr Catherine Motherway, HSE, Clinical Lead for Organ Donation and Transplantation, Ireland, also spoke at the national launch of the campaign and agreed: “Organ donation is a life-changing gift for transplant recipients and their families.
“For many, it is literally the gift of life. Organ donors are publicly celebrated and cherished each year during Organ Donation Awareness Week.
“We hear stories of lives saved, the joy of a new start, being able to work, play sports, raise children, and, in many cases, the relief and joy of being able to breathe easier without machines. Masu.”
