Local woman breathing life back into living

Allsún Henderson’s story is one of extraordinary strength, perseverance and gratitude.

A native of Castleknock, and now living in Swords, the 47 year-old has lived through a double lung transplant 15 years ago, has survived breast cancer, and just last year received a kidney transplant.

Having lived much of her childhood and early adulthood unaffected by cystic fibrosis, the disease began to take hold in her twenties, eventually causing her lung function to decline dramatically.

But after undergoing a double-lung transplant in 2010, Allsún from was given a second chance at life.

Her journey didn’t stop there, though.

In the years that followed she bravely fought and overcame Triple Negative breast cancer, and spent two and a half years on dialysis prior to receiving a kidney transplant in January 2024.

Despite these challenges, Allsún has not only survived but thrived, embracing life with gratitude and determination.

Today she continues to inspire those around her with her resilience and unwavering spirit.

In 2010, after years of struggling with her health, Allsún then aged 32 received the life-changing call from Newcastle Freeman Hospital in the UK for a double-lung transplant.

However, it wasn’t an easy journey.

She had already been called twice before and flown over with her hero of a Mum Kathleen to the UK only to find that the donor lungs weren’t suitable.

But when the third call came, it changed everything.

“It’s such a hugely emotional experience for everybody,” Allsún recalls.

“Happiness in that you know you may get that second chance to breathe again, to continue living. At the same time, some selfless person has sadly passed away, and they and their family have made the heroic decision to hopefully save mine.”

The double lung transplant was a turning point.

“The transplant absolutely transformed my life. To be able to breathe again and do simple things like go for a walk to the beach blows my mind every day,” she shares.

But this was only the beginning. The immunosuppressants medication required for her lung transplant began to damage her kidneys.

By 2021, Allsún was on haemodialysis, spending three days a week, four hours at a time, hooked to a machine at the Mater Hospital.

“It was the worst,” she says, reflecting on the gruelling routine.

“Dialysis is a life pro-longing treatment, which I was so grateful for, but for me it was very debilitating, I actually found chemotherapy less severe on my body.”

For 2 and a half years she received dialysis but was only accepted onto the kidney transplant waiting list in December 2023, this was a requirement as she had to be five years cancer free to get onto the list which added a lot of extra pressure.

Then, in January 2024, after just six weeks on the transplant list, Allsún received another life-changing call – a kidney donor was found.

The transplant was a success, though her lungs took some time to adjust.

“It was a tough time, but I’m grateful for every step I’ve taken,” she says, who was under the care of the Mater Hospital’s nephrologist, Prof. O’Meara, and lung consultant, Prof. Michelle Murray and continues to attend follow up clinics every six weeks.

“Without all the care and expertise at the Mater Hospital I would not be here”.

Despite all the physical challenges, Allsún has maintained a positive outlook, driven by the love and support of her family and friends including her Portuguese husband Rui.

In July 2018, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

But just one month after her diagnosis, she underwent a double mastectomy, and today, she celebrates being seven years cancer-free.

“Losing all my hair was really hard, but it grew back,” she shares.

“Chemo was tough, but it was easier than dialysis for me. I got through it with the support of my family, especially my Mum who was my rock, I also found a strength I never knew I had.”

Allsún has never let her health challenges stop her from embracing life.

Just six months after her lung transplant, she volunteered with the Irish Kidney Association, to marshal at the European Transplant and Dialysis Games in 2010 held in Dublin.

“It was a way for me to give back,” she says. “I had been given so much, and I wanted to help others going through similar struggles.”

Now, in her late 40s, Allsún cherishes life’s simple joys – singing in her choir, walking, studying breathwork and spending time with her friends and family, especially her nephews and niece.

“It’s the normal things in life that matter most to me now,” she says. “I’m so grateful to be here for my niece and nephews, to be able to watch them grow up to the most lovely human beings.”

Looking forward to the future, Allsún and her husband Rui, whom she’s been with for 25 years, are planning their first trip back to Jersey, Chanel Islands this summer, where they first met while both were working in tourism.

“It’s a celebration of the gifts of life I’ve received,” she says.

“I prioritize looking after my health like I always have. I cherish every day.”

She adds, “It’s also a celebration of my husband and his steadfast love and support through every health hurdle has kept me going.

“I honestly couldn’t have done it without him, and I couldn’t have done it without my two incredible donors. Their selfless gifts are the reason I’m still here, living and breathing this life.”

Reflecting on her journey, Allsún is sharing her story as she hopes it will inspire others to consider becoming organ donors.

“Giving the gift of life is the most selfless, heroic act anyone could ever do,” she affirms.

“If my story can help raise awareness and save even one life, it will be worth it.

“Never give up hope”.

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 Organ Donor Awareness Week or how to get an organ donor card visit www.ika.ie/donorweek