A Donegal woman and her local community are uniting to raise money for the Irish Liver Foundation, five years after receiving a life-saving liver transplant.
Claire McLaughlin was diagnosed with Wilson's disease in 2025. Wilson's disease is a rare disease that causes copper levels to build up in several organs.
In August 2019, she developed severe liver disease and was nervously waiting until the search for a donor for a liver transplant began.
Fortunately, just a month later, she received a call that a donor had been found, as she was already hospitalized for another illness.
She says five other people received the same call, but Claire was chosen for the transplant.
“While I thank God every day that I was chosen, I pray that the other four people who need transplants receive their transplants on time,” Claire said on her GoFundMe page. .
“Unfortunately, many people don't have that chance. I can't urge people to sign the organ donor register and share their donation decision. What does that mean to me? I can only vouch for that.”
“My life and health have been great since my transplant in September 2019,” Claire posted.
“It was our first vacation together as a family since our transplant in May 2023. It was so wonderful to be able to enjoy that vacation in good health. Because of the selfless decision someone made to take it back.”
The significant improvement in her quality of life after the transplant inspired Claire to raise money for the Irish Liver Foundation, but it was also another recent health scare.
“After five years without any problems or complications, my liver suddenly developed a rejection and I ended up in St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin for five weeks…I then traveled to Dublin weekly for blood draws and tests. I needed to visit.”
“My blood is gradually improving, but if it doesn't continue to improve, I will have to undergo treatment equivalent to chemotherapy. My body is in pain, but thankfully I'm doing well for now. is.”
“The costs are high for families in this situation and after seeing what is needed, we want to do something to raise funds so that the Irish Liver Foundation can continue its great work.”
She is raising money through a 5K fun run and walk in Mobile next Saturday, December 28th.
The event will begin at 11am from the Movil Celtic FC clubhouse in Glencrow (F93 EW21).
Prior to the event, an online fundraising page was also set up.
You can donate here: https://gofund.me/83ff3a42
Clare's 5k Fun Run & Walk raises money for the Irish Liver Foundation Last modified: December 21, 2024 by
