For one local mother, Organ Donor Awareness Week carries deep personal meaning.
Keelyn Murphy (age 45) from Malahide was diagnosed at just 12 years old with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a hereditary condition, which last year caused both her kidneys to be removed.
“My mum had gone into renal failure at the time, and that’s when we found out she had the genetic disease.
“Out of her three children, two of us inherited it.
“My eldest brother, Cormac, was lucky enough to receive a transplant three years ago which we are all grateful to the family of a deceased organ donor for.”
PKD is a genetic disorder where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, typically starting in adulthood.
As the cysts grow, they can damage kidney function, leading to complications like high blood pressure and, eventually, kidney failure.
In some cases, the cysts in PKD grow so large that the kidneys may need to be surgically removed.
This kidney disease runs deep in her family.
Her mother, Alacoque Halpin received a kidney from her sister Traxi 23 years ago and is still enjoying good health with it.
Two of Keelyn’s aunts and two cousins, who live on Dublin’s southside, have all had transplants.
Another uncle is currently undergoing dialysis and still waiting for a transplant.
“We keep the nephrologists and surgeons in business,” she says with a laugh, but behind the humour lies years of endurance for her family and gratitude for the transplants some have received.
Keelyn is now a married mother of three children herself – Danny (14), Noah (11), and Lauren (7).
Until last year she was working full-time as a primary school teacher, but life became increasingly difficult in 2024.
“By June last year, I could barely eat or breathe. My kidneys were enormous, and climbing stairs became a struggle, I was finding it difficult to breathe and eat, I was losing weight and had no energy.”
In July 2024, doctors at Beaumont Hospital made the decision to surgically remove both of her kidneys.
She started dialysis the day before the operation and has been adjusting to life without kidneys since.
“It was a massive surgery. It took me over six months to recover and learn how to adapt to dialysis three times a week, with a restricted diet and fluid intake. I never imagined I’d be in this position.”
“I’ve had huge support from friends and family who helped out minding my kids, making dinners and keeping me company when I was in hospital and recovering from the operation.
“My mum is an incredible support in my life. She goes above and beyond to help care for my children, often making them dinner or minding them when I’m at dialysis treatment.
“I don’t know what I’d do without her!”
Dialysis now shapes Keelyn’s week and her family life has had to adapt.
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday she undergoes a 3½ hour dialysis treatment session at Northern Cross.
“I used to be on the early dialysis shift at 7 am, so my kids would wake up and I wouldn’t be there but my husband Ros would get them ready for school before going to work.
“Then when they came home, I’d be wrecked. It’s been really hard on them. Ros has been a huge support to me and a great father.”
Keelyn is now trying a later dialysis shift and planning a phased return to work, though she admits it won’t be easy teaching part-time for two days a week.
“I can’t afford to stay off, but I’m not sure how I’ll manage with the fatigue.”
A transplant remains Keelyn’s hope. Her brother Darragh and cousin Lían who also live in Dublin were willing to be living donors and were tested but weren’t a match.
“I’m very grateful to both of them for even trying to donate. I would love more people to know about living donation – and for altruistic kidney donation to be introduced in Ireland.”
With the Human Tissue Act passed in February 2024, she’s hopeful for change.
“It would be amazing to see Ireland support altruistic kidney donation when it’s introduced here. For people like me on dialysis, and in addition with a hereditary ‘kidney condition, who are O blood type, it can be a long wait to find a match.”
Despite all she’s endured, she remains determined, grateful, and hopeful.
“You don’t hear much about the emotional or financial toll this takes, but I’m lucky. I have a family and I still have hope.
“A transplant would change everything – not just for me, but for my whole family.
“I urge everyone to think about organ donation, have a conversation with your family, and share your wishes with them.“
Organ Donor Awareness Week, which is organised by the Irish Kidney Association, started last Saturday (10th) and runs until this Saturday, May 17th.
For more information on the awareness campaign, organ donation or to get a donor card visit https://ika.ie/donorweek/