Connect with us

News

Organ donation – one Killarney woman’s story

Published

on

0277553_Julie_Egan__double_transplant_kidney_and_pancreas.jpg

A former Killarney resident who underwent a simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant wants to raise awareness of organ donation.

Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024 ends on Saturday and is organised by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in association with the HSE’s Organ Donation Transplant 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 from New York to Killarney. I was diagnosed with type one Diabetes. I was just eleven when my world was turned upside down. My life became a constant struggle. HospitaliSations due to complications with my diabetes plagued my youth, teenage, and early adulthood years,” she said.
“It was a very scary and stressful experience for me in early adolescence and I did not process it well. I suffered from anxiety and depression as a teenager.
“I developed a rebellious attitude and was very angry as I felt powerless that regardless of how hard I tried I was never going to get my Diabetes under control and I had resigned to thinking that I was going to end up in a horrific state as my illness took a tighter grip on me.
“I managed to progress into adulthood with the daily regime of insulin injections, glucose and diet monitoring and by then had learned to live with the illness with an acceptance and with a greater understanding and management of my lifestyle.
“By this time I was living independently in Cork city, away from my family, trying my best to begin my third-level education journey as a mature student but this proved impossible due to my health declining.
“I then decided to move back in with my family who were now living in Donegal Town. From there on my whole health started to crumble. I woke up one morning but could barely see, my eyesight was almost gone. It was such a shock and very frightening! I then went to get my eyes checked at Sligo University Hospital and my diagnosis was bleak.
“An unwanted consequence of Diabetes which affects some patients, I had developed retinopathy and Macular edema which caused blurry vision as my eyesight began to fail. From there I began a series of eye treatments that continued for the next two years and which included many laser surgery corrections, and my least favourite was steroid eye injections every month.
“During those two years, my vision had declined rapidly and due to multiple eye haemorrhaging, I had complete loss of vision for almost six months! I then underwent major eye surgery at the Mater Hospital in Dublin. The team that looked after me there was amazing. They saved my vision! Although my eyesight has been damaged severely and with partial blindness, I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to see.
“Managing diabetes was more than just avoiding sugar; it consumed me physically and mentally.
“My health declined further in my mid-20s. Persistent urinary and kidney infections became a new challenge.
“I struggled to maintain my energy levels and experienced swelling all over my body, indicating potential kidney issues.
“Eventually, blood tests confirmed my worst fears: my kidney function was declining rapidly.
“Now, I was not only battling diabetes but also the prospect of kidney failure. Dialysis became my lifeline, but it also felt like a burden, leaving me with little energy and frequent ICU visits. Even surviving COVID-19 was a challenge. I then contacted TB and endured rigorous testing, after which I was finally placed on the transplant list at St. Vincent’s University Hospital for a kidney and pancreas transplant.
“In Spring 2023, I received a call for a simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant, which was a total success. Waking up, I felt like a weight had been lifted. No more insulin injections and the four years of dialysis sessions which I had to undergo three times a week, leaving close to 2,000 hours on a dialysis machine behind me. I could finally live, not just exist.

“The emotions overwhelmed me. Gratitude, relief, and disbelief flooded my heart. To think that someone's selfless act, their decision to donate organs, had given me a second chance at life. It's a feeling I struggle to put into words.
“I owe my newfound life to my donor and their family, whose gift of life I cherish every day. I'm grateful for the support of my loved ones, my parents have been with me through all the ups and downs, and also all nursing and medical staff who cared for me’
My future now holds hope, excitement, and immense gratitude. Organ donation transformed my life, and I'll forever advocate for its importance."

SIGN UP FOR A ORGAN DONOR CARD
By requesting an organ donor card (www.ika.ie/donorcard), you are telling the 600+ people, and their families, who are currently waiting for ‘the call’ that there are people out there who are thinking of them. With approximately only 1% of deaths occurring in the circumstances of potential organ donation, we cannot afford to miss any opportunities because a person’s wishes are unknown.

Advertisement

News

Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

Published

on

By

Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Continue Reading

News

Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

Published

on

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport