A series of unusual events that happened to families across the world. 2023 in Cork and Mayo culminated with three kidney transplants carried out in six months.
Claremorris resident Michael Cotto donated his kidney to his brother Joe Cotto in 2023 after it was declared a 'perfect match'.
A genetic disease called polycystic kidney disease (PKD) ran in their family.
The brothers' grandmother died from the disease at just 46 years old, and the disease was passed on to their father, Joseph Cotto, who sadly passed away in 2023 after a short battle with the disease.
His father, who had undergone a kidney transplant more than 30 years ago, was able to live a full and healthy life, which his family found comfort in.
Before he died, Mr. Kotto received good news that his son Joe would soon receive a donor kidney from his other son, Michael.
Joe CottoThe Cork farmer was just a few weeks after his younger brother Michael Cotto, an engineer from Claremorris, underwent dialysis. I am willing to donate my kidney.
In April 2023, the two brothers underwent living donor kidney transplant surgery at Beaumont Hospital, a heartbreaking outcome that brought comfort to the entire family amidst bereavement.
Cotto acknowledged that he was extremely lucky to avoid being placed on the transplant waiting list, saying his brother “stepped up and he turned out to be the perfect fit.”
While his brother underwent life-changing surgery, his aunt Margaret Fitzgerald and her son Michael navigated the complexities of their own kidney failure.
But soon after, fate unexpectedly intervened.
In late September, Fitzgerald received an unexpected phone call telling him to go to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin for a kidney transplant.
Ms. Fitzgerald said how happy she was to witness the change in her son and the spark of new life made possible by his deceased donor's family.
Mr Fitzgerald said “words cannot express” his gratitude to the family of his deceased donor, who “changed” his life and “gave me freedom”. [him] Due to illness, lifestyle restrictions, and dialysis, he underwent dialysis twice a week at Cork University Hospital for 21 months.
But more surprises awaited the family. Less than seven weeks later, Fitzgerald herself received the call for a transplant, a twist of fate that left her reeling in disbelief and gratitude.
Joe Cotto with his aunt Margaret Fitzgerald and cousin Michael Fitzgerald (Photo: John Allen)
“My kidney function had fallen below 10%, and I was about to start dialysis treatment when I received the call for a transplant. I had no idea how much of a difference it would make,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald called the transplant “life-changing” and said her energy increased “immediately.”
Furthermore, she added: “I'm still amazed at how simple things in life are now so much easier, like spending a day shopping or having endless energy to spend time with my grandchildren. I couldn't believe it when I was called. When I woke up after the transplant, it felt like I had magically changed.”
After each successful transplant, families' spirits were lifted by the donor's generosity and the promise of a brighter, healthier future.
Ms Fitzgerald commented on the “longevity” of her brother's transplant, which lasted “more than 30 years”, and the “incredibly fast succession” of transplants her family had received, referring to the three consecutive transplants her family had received.
“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 have one too, just seven weeks after my son's. “I was resigned to having to wait several years and was just happy that my son and nephew's transplants were successful,” she concluded.
Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald and Mr and Mrs Cott expressed their gratitude for the support they have received from Kidney Disease Center Ireland. Connections throughout your health journey.
They are a strong advocate of raising organ donor awareness and are sharing their uplifting stories in support of Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024.
Organ Donor Awareness Week, organized by the Irish Kidney Association and the Irish Organ Donation and Transplant Association, will be held from 20th to 27th April.
The campaign's key messages continue to be built around sharing your wishes and having conversations with your loved ones about organ donation.
By requesting an organ donor card, more than 600 people and their families are waiting to hear that someone is thinking of them.
Only 1% of people die in situations where their organs could be donated; The Irish Kidney Association said there was a chance. You can't ignore people's wishes because you don't know what they want.
You can request an organ donor card by: Irish Kidney Association Websiteor you can download “.digital organ donor card' From the App Store and Google Play Store.
