Organ recipient says he never forgets his donor

A SOUTHSIDE man who has represented Ireland at numerous European and World Transplant Games has spoken of the gratitude he has for the donor who changed his life.

Speaking as Organ Donor Awareness Week was launched by Minister Simon Harris at the Mansion House last week, Cabinteely man and organ donor recipient, Michael Dwyer (60), told how he received a kidney transplant 17 years ago this month.

Michael’s kidney failure was first detected during a routine medical check-up at work when the doctor discovered that his cholesterol levels were too high – he then spent the next nine months on dialysis before receiving the transplant.

“I got the hang of it,” he recalls of that time. I had to get it four times a day, at 6am, 1pm, 6pm and before bed at night.

“I could do it at home and it involved putting a tube in my stomach near my bellybutton and draining fluid for four hours.”

Michael and his wife Bernie, who is currently the Secretary of the Dublin East/Wicklow branch of the Irish Kidney Association, never discovered the identity of the donor but sent a letter expressing their gratitude via the hospital.

Michael has played golf for Transplant Team Ireland, with his first games in Nancy, France in 2003.

“It was super, those taking part have got liver, kidney and heart transplants,” he revealed. “There were 1,500 participants and the Irish Team comprised 25 members including myself.

“It’s the taking part that matters, meeting people and then keeping in touch afterwards on Facebook,” he added. “Some of the people there are on their second or third transplant – you need to do what you can to stay well after a transplant. I don’t drink or smoke and I try my best to stay well.”

Michael said that those undergoing dialysis and awaiting a transplant need to “keep doing what you’re doing and do the best you can”.

“Always keep positive and remember it’s going to happen,” he advises. “Your friends and family are very important and when you do get the transplant, never forget your donor as they are a total stranger that has given you a second chance at life.”

Gwen O’Donoghue of the Irish Kidney Association said that each branch of the organisation’s 25-member network will be coordinating their own activities over the course of the week.

Organ Donor Cards can also be obtained by phoning the Irish Kidney Association  on LoCall 1890543639 or Freetext the word DONOR to 50050. Visit the website www.ika.ie

It is also possible to store an organ donor card on Smart mobile phones.

Simply search for ‘Donor ECard’ at the IPhone Store or Android Market Place.

REPORT: Andrew Ralph