A former Killarney resident who received a simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant wants to raise awareness of organ donation.
Organ Donation Awareness Week 2024 ends on Saturday and is organised by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in collaboration with the HSE's Organ Donation and Transplant Institute Ireland (ODTI).
Julie Egan, 36, who now lives in Donegal Town, spent most of her childhood in Killarney.
Her life changed for the better last year thanks to a deceased organ donor.
“Soon after moving back to Killarney from New York, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I was just 11 when my world changed and my life became a constant struggle, with hospitalisations due to diabetes complications plaguing me throughout my adolescence, teenage years and early adulthood,” she said.
“It was a very frightening and stressful experience for me as an early adolescent. I didn't handle it well. I suffered from anxiety and depression as a teenager.
“I became rebellious and very angry, feeling powerless that no matter how hard I tried I couldn't control my diabetes. I had resigned myself to the idea that the disease would grip me more tightly and I would slip into a terrifying state.
“I managed to make it into adulthood with daily insulin injections and blood sugar and dietary monitoring, by which time I had come to terms with the disease and learned to live with it with a greater understanding and control of my lifestyle.
“At that time I was living on my own in Cork city, away from my family and trying my best to start my third level education journey as a mature student, but my deteriorating health meant that this was not possible.
“I then decided to move back to my family in Donegal Town. From there my health began to completely deteriorate. I woke up one morning and could barely see anything and had almost lost all my vision. It was a huge shock and I was very scared. I then had an eye test at Sligo University Hospital and the diagnosis was devastating.
“Diabetes affects some patients and has undesirable consequences. I developed retinopathy and macular edema and as my vision started to deteriorate my vision became blurred. From there I began a series of eye treatments which I continued for the next two years, including many laser surgical corrections. The most unpleasant part was the monthly steroid eye injections.
“Over those two years, my vision deteriorated rapidly and I lost my sight completely for almost six months due to multiple intraocular bleeds. I then had major eye surgery at the Matter Hospital in Dublin. The team who looked after me there were amazing – they saved my sight. Although my vision is severely impaired and I am partially blind, I consider myself incredibly lucky to be able to see.
“Managing diabetes wasn't just about avoiding sugar; it drained me physically and mentally.
“In my mid-twenties my health further deteriorated. Persistent urinary tract and kidney infections became a new challenge.
“I was struggling to maintain my energy levels, had swelling all over my body and it was discovered I might have a kidney problem.
“Eventually, blood tests confirmed my worst fears: my kidney function was rapidly declining.
“Now I was battling not only diabetes but also possible kidney failure. Dialysis became my lifeline but it was also a burden, leaving me with little energy and frequent visits to the ICU. Even surviving COVID-19 was difficult. I then contacted TB and endured rigorous tests after which I was eventually placed on the kidney and pancreas transplant list at St Vincent's University Hospital.
“I was contacted for a combined kidney and pancreas transplant in the spring of 2023, which was a complete success. I woke up feeling like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders – no more insulin injections, no more three times a week dialysis sessions for four years, and an end to nearly 2,000 hours spent in the dialysis machine. I was finally able to not just exist, but to live.
“I was overwhelmed with emotions. Gratitude, relief and disbelief flooded my heart. To know that someone's selfless act and decision to donate their organs had given me a second chance at life. It's a feeling that's hard to put into words.”
“I owe my new life to my donor and her family. I cherish their gift of life every day. I am grateful for the support of my loved ones, including my parents who have been with me through all the ups and downs, and I am also grateful for all the nursing and medical staff who cared for me.”
My future is now full of hope, excitement and immense gratitude. Organ donation has changed my life and I will continue to advocate for the importance of organ donation.”
Apply for an organ donor card
By applying for an Organ Donor Card (www.ika.ie/donorcard), you will be letting over 600 people and their families who are currently waiting for a 'phone call' that there are people thinking about them. Only around 1% of people die in situations where organ donation is possible, so you cannot afford to miss out on the opportunity because you are unsure of their wishes.
