Organ donor families and transplant recipients gathered in Dublin today for their annual memorial and thanksgiving service.
Hundreds of people attended the event, held at the Church of the Holy Child in Whitehall, Dublin.
The event, organized by the Irish Kidney Association, is now in its 39th year.
The families said they knew all about the effects of organ transplants, both received and donated.
Among the families in attendance were the Coleman Cody family from Shannon.
Ten-year-old Dylan was killed by a van earlier this year.
“The topic[of organ donation]came up at school a few weeks ago and he expressed through his mother that if he were to die, he would like to donate his organs to someone who needs them,” said Bernard of Dylan. Ta. Grandpa explained.
He said the fact that Dylan continued to help others in his death gave the family some comfort.
“It was decided that his organs would be donated…this was the best decision ever…people should consider donating their organs in case of an accident…I strongly urge that I recommend it,” he said.
“We will celebrate his life forever…I'm very, very proud of him,” he said.
There were other stories of generosity and loss here today.
Orla O'Malley, from Cross, Co. Mayo, was 18 years old when she died in a car crash.
“Her heart, two lungs, both kidneys and liver were donated,” said her mother, Dolores.
“This is a glimmer of life in a very dark time,” she said.
“I feel that Orla's legacy lives on… She saved four lives. I was proud of her when she was alive and I'm just as proud of her in death. I think so.”
Eilis Karlin was also here today.
Her 25-year-old son Tony passed away in July 2019.
“He was a vibrant young man,” she said.
She said the decision to donate his organs was easy because they knew they were following his wishes.
“This has made me feel some relief from the tragic circumstances of losing him. I'm really proud of his legacy,” she said.
“On my darkest day, and obviously there are a lot of people who have lost a child, I can look back and it gives me a sense of hope and comfort.”
Many people came to today's event to express their gratitude.
Lexi Murphy, 14, underwent liver and kidney surgery eight years ago.
The benefits are clear, she says.
“I'm able to do things now that I couldn't do before the transplant. I'm so grateful. If it wasn't for them (the donors), I probably wouldn't be here,” she said. Ta. .
Demand for donations remains consistently high.
There are currently about 600 people on the transplant list.
Those gathered at today's event know the difference a donation can make.
