Lung transplant patients are encouraging their public to consider the “life-saving” gift of organ donation on the 20th anniversary of the first lung transplant at Dublin's Maternal and Child Hospital.
Since the initial procedure was administered in May 2005, 379 patients have benefited from the hospital's lung transplant program.
Since then, the program has helped to expand and improve the quality of life for people suffering from lung failure. Many of them raised their families through port games, returned to work and even represented Ireland.
Veronica Doyle from Co Kerry made history when he became Ireland's first lung transplant recipient.
Ms Doyle underwent surgery in her 50s and continued to lead her life to her death in 2020.
Last year, 15 lung transplants were performed in Ireland. Before 2005, Irish patients who needed a lung transplant had to travel to Newcastle, UK for treatment.
Since then, several patients undergoing lung transplants have marked milestones along with life-saving surgeons.
Dubliner and three Tommy McGrane's father received one of Ireland's first lung transplants in 2006 after being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Before his transplant, McGrand struggled to walk and even shaved.
“I could see my kids growing up, and now I can spend time with my grandchildren, something I wouldn't think would be possible without a transplant,” he said.
Nineteen years later, McGrand has no breathing problems and has an active lifestyle.
Robert Sheahan, 34, from Co Limerick, was born with cystic fibrosis and his health began to deteriorate in his 20s after his lung collapsed three times.
In 2019, Xiahan became the first Irishman to receive a liver and double lung transplant with organ donations, receiving an organ on the first day he was placed on the “active transplant” list.
Two surgical implant teams from Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and another team from St Vincent's University Hospital worked about 10 hours to complete the implant.
Almost six years later, Xiahan says he is incredibly healthy and can do short trips abroad with gym training. He is especially grateful to his donor and his family.
“Like a new person”
One of the latest recipients of double lung transplants is Lindsay Barrett, a native of Clare Hall, Dublin, who was treated in 2024.
Ms. Barrett's health began to suffer when she experienced severe shortness of breath in 2022.
Initially misdiagnosed as asthma, her symptoms worsened over the next few months until she was finally diagnosed with pulmonary artery hypertension, sarcoidosis, and heraldic syndrome, an autoimmune condition.
Two years ago, her condition got worse, relying on oxygen 24/7, having a buildup of fluids around the heart, gaining weight from long-term use of steroids.
In April 2024, one mother was officially on the active transplant list. Just four months later, she underwent a double lung transplant at her mother's hospital.
Now I feel like I'm a new person. Barrett said he was extremely grateful to have been given a second shot in his life.
Transplant programs are possible only through the generosity of the organ donor and the expertise and commitment of the clinical team.
“I knew that bringing a lung transplant to Ireland would be life-changing,” said Professor Freddie Wood, the surgeon who received the first lung transplant in Ireland.
“The first steps 20 years ago are the cornerstones where a nationally reliable program was built on mothers here, and a network of healthcare providers interested in transplantation continues to be developed and integrated,” he said.
“Breathtaking shortness of breath affects thousands of people of all ages,” said Professor Karen Redmond, consultant for maternal chest and lung transplant surgeons.
“It is scary to recognize that some people are actively dying, organ donation is their only hope.
“Providing a lung transplant requires resources, skills, dedication and almost every sacrifice,” she said.
“The mother's national transplant force is proud to celebrate today's 20 years of care. This operation is truly life-changing.”
