Tributes have been pouring in following the death of an inspirational Cork woman who pioneered the campaign for people to carry organ donor cards and was an advocate of transplant surgery.
She is described as a person of “great courage, strength and determination.”
“She was the beloved wife of Philip, beloved daughter of Deirdre and later Oliver, and an inspiring sister to Julie, Bill, Robert, Peter and Stephanie,” the death notice said.
Isabel Terry, from Bishopstown, had been waiting 15 years for a phone call that could change her life. She had pulmonary atresia – a birth defect in the lung valve of the heart – and had to use tanked oxygen 24 hours a day.
She was first diagnosed with needing a heart transplant in 2003 while undergoing treatment at the Matter Hospital in Dublin.
But between 2003 and 2009, she was heartbroken after receiving five calls about failed transplants.
In 2009, her condition worsened to the point that she required a heart and double lung transplant.
Ultimately, in 2017, Isabel underwent risky surgery and spent nearly two months in intensive care. She survived multiple complications, including a stroke, cardiac arrest, and kidney failure.
Isabel wrote about her journey to getting on the transplant list in a Facebook blog, “Life on the List,” in the hope of inspiring others in the same position and raising awareness about the importance of organ donation and carrying an organ donor card.
She is remembered by many as a “true warrior woman” and an “inspiration in facing health challenges.”
“Isabel was courage and inspiration incarnate. Despite her health challenges, I was always impressed by her zest for life and her willingness to speak so publicly and eloquently about organ donation. I am sure her work helped save many lives,” one person wrote.
“To all Isabel's family and friends at this sad time, I can't believe she has passed away. My condolences. Isabel was a beautiful, brave, always smiling girl who loved to laugh and fashion. She inspired me and so many others to become a donor,” a second person said.
Isabel's body will be laid to rest at her home on Friday between 4pm and 6pm.
A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph SMA Church in Wilton, followed by burial in St. Oliver Cemetery, Model Farm Road.
