Click here to read… - Irish Kidney Association

Editorial... T
he public awareness of organ donation is at an all-time
high as indicated by a research survey by IPSOS MRBI.
The survey report is worth reading in full, but in the
meantime you can see highlighted results in this
SUPPORT.
We also included our own questionnaire in the last SUPPORT
magazine and the results are inside.
Many thanks to all of you who took to the highways and
byways selling our merchandise during Organ Donor
Awareness Week.
There are always concerns about clashing with other
charities, be they local or national. In 2016 our week will be
from April 2nd-9th. Easter Sunday falls on March 27th and the
Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day is moving to March 11th in
2016. Therefore there will be a significant gap between our
dates next year.
May saw the retirement, from the HSE, of the senior
Transplant Co-ordinator in Beaumont Hospital, Phyllis
Cunningham. Phyllis founded transplant co-ordination in
Ireland which led to significant growth in organ donation
throughout the State. She worked on her own for many years
and her dedication to donor families and transplant recipients
alike is legendary. She has been a central part of our Service of
Remembrance & Thanksgiving for the last 29 years and it was
through her offices’ co-operation that we have our Roll of
Honour in the Book of Remembrance. The Association owes
her a huge debt of gratitude.
I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the National
Chairman, Stephen O’Sullivan following the death of his wife
Maura on Saturday April 25th. I also want to acknowledge the
long service of Tony Hughes to his Dublin North branch, and
the Board of the IKA. Tony passed away the day after Maura
on April 26th. May they both rest in peace.
I am cutting short my editorial to allow space for a
statement we released this week.
Contents...
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6
FRONT
COVER
12 year old
Salem Alhag
was the 100th
transplant
recipient in
Temple Street
Children’s
University
Hospital.
See full story
on page 4-5
2
MARK MURPHY
IKA S
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EDITORIAL
CHANGING LIVES
IN THE COMMUNITY/
BRANCH OFFICIALS 2015
NOTICE OF IKA AGM
CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC
PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR
ORGAN DONATION IN IRELAND
IKA ATTITUDES TOWARDS ORGAN
DONATION SURVEY RESULTS
PUNCHESTOWN 2015
A FAMILY TALE
U P P O R T
S
U M M E R
2015
6
Luke Concannon
STATEMENT
IKA concerned for transplanted patients aftercare
The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) has concerns surrounding the access, by all kidney and combined kidney and pancreas transplanted
patients, to the specialist aftercare needs and services they require from the HSE acute hospital system. In the absence of clear
communication by Beaumont Hospital on recent developments for those patients who have received combined kidney and pancreas
transplants, they are confused and uncertain of their future care.
The 80 patients with combined kidney and pancreas transplants were attending their post-transplant clinic in Beaumont Hospital
up until recently. This specialist outpatient clinic has ceased as the patients’ Consultant Surgeon Mr. David Hickey has retired from the
HSE. Most of the patients have received a letter from Beaumont Hospital explaining that a consultant nephrologist, from their area of
the country, will take over the management of their post-transplant care.
Not all of the consultant nephrologists across the country wish to take on this extra workload and I have received assurance that
the nephrologists in Beaumont Hospital will step in, in these instances. However, the patients have not been notified about this option
yet.
Any pancreas transplant patient requiring surgical intervention for their pancreas, post- transplant, has been assured that it will
be provided in Beaumont Hospital. This dispersal of a unique cohort of patients has brought much uncertainty to their future care and
stress as a result of vague communications from Beaumont Hospital.
Some of these patients would have need of emergency hospitalisation which was readily available to them when required in
Beaumont Hospital. Despite them being high risk infection patients, they are now required to do the one thing they were previously
told never to do – ‘go to Accident and Emergency if you feel unwell’.
Some of these 80 patients now feel abandoned by Beaumont Hospital and are genuinely confused by the lack of precise information
on their post-transplant care. Their retired Consultant Surgeon, David Hickey, is concerned for these patients and has gone on the
public record on a number of occasions recently stating so.
Significant resources are expended to ensure the maximum number of people in the state receive a necessary donated organ
transplant. Post-transplant management of all these fortunate patients is essential to the longevity of the success of organ
transplantation.
All organ transplanted patients - heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas - are immuno-suppressed to avoid rejection of their donated
organ. All of these 3000+ patients are attending out-patient clinics every three months or so to monitor their general medical condition
and for the control of their immunosuppressant (anti-rejection) medications. They have far higher risks of infections and are at a much
greater risk of contracting cancers than the general public.
All the transplant patients are under the care of specialist consultants. In the case of kidney and combined kidney and pancreas
patients, the specialist is a nephrologist or, up to recently, an urologist transplant surgeon.
The IKA has called on the HSE to conduct a peer review of post transplantation patient management, to clarify the best practice for
urgent access to the special services, within the acute hospital system, for all these special needs, high infection risk, patients because
of concerns that access through A&E departments and the potential long delays involved could be inappropriate and potentially unsafe.
We hope the HSE action our request as soon as possible and avert any concerns by post transplant patients through clear
communication on the management of their future care.
MARK MURPHY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE, IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION
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THE POWER TO CHANGE
SPORTS ROUND-UP
DEBATING SCIENCE ISSUES
VHI WOMEN’S MINI MARATHON
PHYLLIS CUNNINGHAM
WEST CLARE KIDNEY SUPPORT GROUP
WALK/RUN 2015
SUMMER RECIPES
LAUNCH OR ORGAN DONOR
AWARENESS WEEK 2015
IKA RUN FOR A LIFE
EKPF 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
IKA S
U P P O R T
39 MEMBERSHIP FORM
40 AROUND THE BRANCHES
48 BRANCH SECRETARIES
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Mary Kennedy, Chloe Kinahan, baby Sam and Colin MacKenzie
S
U M M E R
2015
3
LIVES
More than 100
children benefit from
life changing kidney
transplantaon at
Temple Street
since 2003
I
n the last 12 years 101 children from
across Ireland have received a kidney
transplant at Temple Street Children’s
University Hospital. Last year was the
busiest year for transplantation since
the hospital commenced its National
Paediatric Transplantation Programme in
2003, with 19 children receiving a lifechanging kidney transplant from living and
deceased donors. In the two years preceding
that, a further 25 children received a kidney
transplant.
One of the country’s leading Consultant
Paediatric Nephrologists has described the
results of the transplants as ‘outstanding’. The
youngest recipient of a new kidney is only
two years old and the oldest is 17 years of
age.
In addition to running the National
Paediatric Transplantation Service, Temple
Street is also the National Paediatric
Haemodialysis Centre. Children from all over
the country attend this hospital for dialysis
three times a week for periods from six
months to five years whilst waiting for a
donor kidney.
Speaking about the number of kidney
transplants conducted over the last 12 years,
Dr Michael Riordan, Consultant Paediatric
Nephrologist, Temple Street, said “When a
child’s kidneys fail or when they are born
without normal kidney function, it is
devastating for them and kidney transplantation can be a means to regain a normal life
without the rigorous routine of dialysis.”
“The results of kidney transplantation
performed at Temple Street for the 101
children have been outstanding over the last
12 years. Our transplant service has one of
the best patient survival records in the world,
4
Kate (3) and her mum Runagh from Claremorris, Co Mayo
Luke Concannon
and his Mum Karen
IKA S
U P P O R T
S
U M M E R
2015
Photos by CONOR McCABE
Salem Alhag (who was the 100th transplant recipient)
and his mum Marwa
Staff from Temple Street
and the Transplant Co-ordinators’
office in Beaumont join kidney
recipient Courtney Kealy to celebrate
the latest milestone of 100 transplants
and long-term outcomes for the transplantation are excellent by
international standards,” continued Dr Riordan.
Also speaking about reaching, and exceeding, the 100th kidney
transplant at the Hospital, Dr Atif Awan, Consultant Paediatric
Nephrologist, said: “The numbers of transplants are increasing because
of the ever-increasing number of generous people who carry organ
donor cards. Each time we receive a kidney we are mindful of the organ
donor and their family and we are aware of the difficult decision a donor
family has had to make, at a most distressing time, but we see the
hugely positive impact this decision has on the lives of our patients.”
Temple Street is continuing to encourage people to carry an organ
donor card and to discuss their wishes with family when all is well.
Notwithstanding the sometimes tragic circumstances that can surround
discussions about organ donation, giving the gift of life
is the greatest possible act of generosity and many
families and individuals take considerable comfort in the
knowledge that they, and their loved one, have
transformed the lives of others for the better.
The Temple Street National Paediatric Transplantation
Programme thanks all the generous families who have
donated kidneys to the children they have cared for over
the last twelve years.
The programme also acknowledges the support and
partnership of the Beaumont Hospital transplant team,
the National Organ Procurement Programme, the
National Renal Office; and the Health Service Executive
with a special acknowledgement to Mr David Hickey,
Consultant Transplant Surgeon, Beaumont Hospital who
retired in early 2015, and who played a vital role in the
success of the Temple Street transplantation programme
since its inception.
Temple Street staff together with transplant recipients
Luke Concannon, Salem Alhag and Courtney Kealy
Courtney Kealy, (17) Slane, Co. Meath
(1st transplant recipient)
Joshua O’Halloran (15) and his parents. Joshua was the most recent
transplant recipient – getting a kidney from his dad
IKA S
U P P O R T
S
U M M E R
2015
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I
t is gratifying to note an ever increasing interest in the work of the IKA and information about organ donation and
transplantation. In recent months we have had people go to schools, colleges, universities, community groups and
hospitals. It is particularly pleasing to note the number of institutions that invite us back annually – the topic is clearly
seen to be an interesting one.
The key to getting an audience to engage with a
topic is to help them relate to it – make it real for them.
James Reynolds and I regularly deliver talks together. We
are both in a position to deliver an objective overview
of the topic whilst also bringing in personal experiences
and anecdotes to give the patients’ perspective on living
with end stage kidney disease. We always introduce our
talks about organ donation and transplantation by
stating that our intention is to give the audience enough
food for thought to allow them to make their own
informed decision about organ donation.
A number of our Branches have been very active in
finding and responding to opportunities for speakers
and they are to be commended for their dedication.
However, there is the potential for more of us to engage
James Reynolds and Colin White at a recent school talk promoting organ donor awareness and the in the process and see more invitations generated.
work of the IKA.
Many of us have connections within our communities that could be tapped. You may be in a position to deliver a talk yourself – please feel free to contact me in Donor House
for ideas on content and delivery.
Alternatively, you can simply facilitate an introduction and put the contact in touch with me. As always, we will do our
best to facilitate as many opportunities as we can either through our branch network or directly from Donor House.
COLIN WHITE
E: Colin@ika.ie | T: 01-6205306
IKA BRANCH OFFICIALS 2015
Branch
Carlow
Cavan/Monaghan
Clare
Cork
Donegal
Dublin East/Wicklow
Dublin North
Dublin South
Galway
Kerry
Kildare
Kilkenny
Laois
Leitrim
Limerick
Longford
Louth/Meath
Mayo
Offaly
Roscommon
Sligo
Tipperary
Waterford
Westmeath
Wexford
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Chairperson
Patricia May
Eamon Malone
Peggy Eustace
Noreen O’Halloran
Siobhan Bates
John Whelan
Colin Mackenzie
James Reynolds
Stephen O’Sullivan
Con Brosnan
Ciaran Casey
John Dalton
Martin Doody
Kathleen McTeague
Sandra Dillon
Bernadette Wall
Valerie Brady
Marie Mellon
Jerome Burke
Jimmy Servis
Michael McHugh
Ann Nolan
Raymond Halligan
Eddie Flood
Liam Buttle
IKA S
Secretary
Tom Phelan
Richard Conlon
Michael Mescall
Helen O’Sullivan
Sharon Gallagher
Bernie Dwyer
Patricia Mackenzie
Peter Pardoe
Eoin Madden
Theresa Looney
Liam Lally
Seamus Carrigan
Angela Lyons
Caitriona Charles
Mary Downes
Elaine Heslin
Mary Traynor
Maureen Bourke
Maureen Allen
Maureen Quigley
Geraldine Jenkins
Orla Hogan-Ryan
Susan Cowman
Cathy Smyth
Dora Kent
U P P O R T
S
U M M E R
Treasurer
Thomas Hughes
Karl Cronin
Peggy Eustace
Margot McCarthy
Kieran Murray
Catherine Foley
Brian Carney
Owen Kelleher
Chris Curley
Elsie Moore
Liam Lally
John Lacey
Rose Shanahan
Frank Heslin
Michael Sheehan
Peter Connolly
Ann McGiveney
Geraldine Coleman
Mary Young
John Cormican
Bernadette McHugh
Doris Cantwell
Vera Frisby
Eileen Dunican
Marie Kehoe
2015
Board Member
Patricia May
Eamon Malone
Peggy Eustance
Michael Kiely
Kieran Murray
John Whelan
Colin Mackenzie
Karen Concannon
Stephen O’Sullivan
Ellen Flanagan
Ciaran Casey
Seamus O’Farrell
Martin Doody
Caitriona Charles
Susan Cannon
Deirdre Heslin
Valerie Brady
Lisa Mellon
Jerome Burke
Monica Finn
Michael McHugh
Joan Gavin
Raymond Halligan
Eddie Flood
Liam Buttle
NOTICE OF
THE IKA
The Annual General Meeting of the Irish Kidney Association Limited will be held in the
LOUIS FITZGERALD HOTEL, NAAS ROAD, DUBLIN 22 on Saturday July 4th, 2015 at
2.00pm preceded by a Patient Conference at 11.00am.
11.00am
PATIENT CONFERENCE
The Theme of the patient conference is Home Haemodialysis.
The conference will include the experiences of patients. All are welcome.
1.00pm
LUNCH
2.00pm
AGM
Business Meeting (Irish Kidney Association Members only)
1.
AGENDA
Minutes of last Annual General Meeting – National Honorary Secretary.
2.
Approval and adoption of the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2014
– National Honorary Treasurer.
3.
Re-appointment of Auditors and authorisation of the Directors to fix the Auditor’s remuneration.
4.
National Honorary Chairman’s Report.
5.
Chief Executive’s Report.
6.
Election of National Officers of the Irish Kidney Associaiton
a.
National Honorary Chairman
Valerie Brady, Louth / Meath has accepted the nominations and she is unopposed.
b.
National Honorary Secretary
John Whelan, East Dublin + Wicklow has accepted the nominations and he is unopposed.
c.
National Honorary Treasurer
Martin Doody, Laois
Stephen O’Sullivan, Galway
Each of these board members has accepted the nominations for the post and a vote of the
membership is required to elect a National Honorary Treasurer.
Note: All renal patient members have one vote. All ordinary members of at least 3 years standing have one vote.
There will be 1 ballot during the AGM, for the election of National Honorary Treasurer. All votes must be cast at
the AGM. All members, eligible to vote have the opportunity to proxy their vote to another member who is
attending the AGM.
A proxy voting form is enclosed or printable from the website www.ika.ie
7.
Any other Business:
The Directors Report & Financial statements are available on the Irish Kidney Association website, and can
be requested in print form from Head Office.
Charity
GOLF
CLASSIC
Main pic: Claire Dolan, Margaret Dolan, Cathy Smyth,
Michael Dolan, Eddie Flood and Eileen Dunican.
Left: Claire at the launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week in the Mansion House
T
he recent charity
Golf Classic
hosted by kidney
transplant
recipient Claire
Dolan at her
family run Mount Temple
Golf & Country Club was
a resounding success.
Despite unfavourable
weather conditions, the
event, which was held
over the May bank
holiday weekend, secured
great support with over
40 golf teams entering
and raised €8,140 for the
Irish Kidney Association.
21 year old Claire
Dolan, decided to mark
the first anniversary of her
successful kidney
transplant, by holding the
fundraiser for the Irish
Kidney Association and to
demonstrate her
gratitude to her deceased
donor who gave her the
‘gift of life’.
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IKA S
U P P O R T
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U M M E R
2015
Claire, an NUIG
student, was assisted in
the organisation of the
event by her parents
Michael and Margaret
and her brother and
course green-keeper
James and they willingly
donated the use of the
traditional championship
golf course for the event.
Undeterred by the bad
weather, enthusiastic
fourball teams tee’d off
from 9am on Saturday
morning (May 2nd)
fuelling up at halfway,
with refreshments and a
burger, kindly sponsored
by Supermacs in Moate.
As the day progressed
the weather increasingly
deteriorated resulting in
some of the teams being
unable to get out to play.
A decision was quickly
made to split the
fundraiser into two days
by running a separate
ANNUAL SERVICE OF
REMEMBRANCE
&
THANKSGIVING
WILL TAKE PLACE ON
SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER
AT 12.30 P.M.
IN CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH, HOME FARM
ROAD, DUBLIN 9
competition with prizes on
Monday (May 4th). Despite
the bad weather on
Saturday, the impressive
winning score of 109 points
was secured by fourball
team, Seamus Conroy,
Martin Little, Jimmy
Gilhooley and Rob Finnegan.
Monday’s event secured
another excellent winning
score of 111 points from
local team Tom Maguire,
Ita Maguire, Eoin Carty
and Mary Carty.
Delighted with the
success of the Golf Classic,
Claire said: “I would like to
thank everyone who
supported the event.
Following the shock
diagnosis of my kidney
failure a few years ago,
myself and my family feel
very fortunate that I have
since been given the ‘gift of
life’ thanks to my kidney
donor. I hope the Golf
Classic has helped create
more awareness about the
importance of organ
donation.
I am proud that so many
people in the community
have come behind this event
which has raised over
€8000 for a very worthy
cause.
The success of the Golf
Classic was made possible
due to generous
contributions from our
sponsors, the support of
members of Mount Temple
Golf Club, donations from
colleagues, neighbours and
friends of our family and of
course all the players in the
participating fourball teams,
many of whom commented
on the excellent condition of
the golf course.
Our special thanks to
Eileen Dunican from Moate
and Eddie Flood from
Killucan, who represented
the Westmeath branch of
the IKA on the event days.”
IKA S
U P P O R T
Organ Donor
Awareness
Week 2016
Saturday 2nd April
- Saturday 9th April
S
U M M E R
2015
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PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR
ORGAN DONATION
IN IRELAND
− Benchmark results with previous surveys.
− Evaluate responses to core public awareness
messages.
− Employ the results as a benchmark for future
research and the on-going effectiveness of the
organ donation public awareness programme.
The survey questionnaire was designed in
consultation, and utilised a number of the
Eurobarometer 2009 organ donation questions for
comparison purposes (please note that the
Eurobarometer 2009 survey utilised a face-to-face
methodology).
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES
In February 2015, Ipsos MRBI were commissioned on
behalf of Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland, the
Irish Donor Network and the Irish Kidney Association to
conduct a research study that would provide evidence of
the levels of public support for organ donation in Ireland.
The objectives of the research were as follows:
− Discover levels of support for organ donation in
Ireland, disaggregated along demographic
factors including gender, age, social/educational
background and national origin.
Which, if any, of the following statements best
describes you?
SAMPLE PROFILE
Overall, the general public stated that they are well
informed (73%) about organ donation.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This research was carried out by Omnipoll, Ipsos MRBI’s telephone
omnibus service.
Omnipoll interviews a fresh nationally representative sample of
1,000 adults aged 15+ every three weeks.
The sample used is RDD (random digit dialling) to ensure that both
listed and unlisted phone numbers have the same probability of being
contacted. Interviews are conducted with people via their landline
and mobile phone.
At analysis stage the data is weighted in line with the known
profile of the population according to the latest CSO estimates. The
sample size achieved on Omnipoll is robust at 1,000 respondents,
giving a low margin of error (of +/-3) at an overall level.
Fieldwork for this research was conducted from 2nd – 16th March,
2015.
The following are the results of some of the key questions asked
in the survey. The complete survey will be published shortly by the
ODTI.
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Do you carry an organ donor card?
In the 12 years there was a 50% increase in the
percentage of people carrying a donor card.
2015
Would you be willing to donate one of your organs
to an organ donation service immediately after
your death?
If you were asked in a hospital to donate an organ
from a deceased close family member,
would you agree?
PUBLIC
SUPPORT
FOR
ORGAN
DONATION
In the 6 years there was a 26% increase in the
percentage of people willing to donate one of their
organs.
This increase in willingness to donate extends to the organs
of close family members also, with a 46% increase when
compared to Eurobarometer 2009 results.
Have you ever discussed human organ donation or
transplantation with your family?
In the space of 6 years, the percentage of people who
have discussed human organ donation with their family
has increased by 20%.
IN
IRELAND
If you required an organ transplant would you be happy to receive it?
Would you be willing to donate one of your organs to an organ donation service
immediately after your death?
Despite 92% of respondents being happy to receive an organ (811), just 85% of these
respondents are willing to donate their own organs.
Do you agree or disagree that your family should
have the final say on what happens to your organs
after your death?
KEY FINDINGS
Over half of participants (53%) agree that family
should have the final say.
IKA S
U P P O R T
S
U M M E R
2015
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REPORT ON FINDINGS OF THE
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
ORGAN DONATION
SURVEY
To complement the IPSOS MRBI poll of the general public we included our own
questionnaire in the last SUPPORT magazine. In total we received 1245 responses
that we have analysed.
Thank you to all who responded, either by post or online.
The first clear difference between the IPSOS MRBI poll and our poll was our high
percentage of female respondents, at 78.5%.
As you can see
from this graph the
35-44 age group
were the largest at
33.39%, and
4.6% were over
65 years.
There was an even split in the answer to the question...Do you have children living at
home?
The county where you live answers were well spread across the country.
246 or 20% of all answers came from kidney patients whilst 39% were carers or a
friend of a kidney patient.
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235 people answered this question although only 42
answered ‘no’ to Question 12.
The graph of Question 9 shows that 77% are well
informed about organ donation. A similar question in
the MRBI poll also showed a high answer of 73%.
In Question 10 85% surveyed had discussed deceased
organ donation with their family and there was an
even split to Question 11 about living donation.
Only 3.43% were not willing to consider living kidney
donation to a member of their family or a close
friend. Almost 60% said ‘yes’ to being willing, but if
you remove the 15% of kidney patients from the
answers, because they are not suitable, that ‘yes’ rises
to 71.5% of the remaining 1017 who answered the
question.
The answers again are confusing. 8.55% or 105
people answered ‘no’ to Question 14 but 336 went
on to answer the next question (15) which was only
intended for those who said ‘no’.
The 97 ‘I would not ask them, they would have to
offer it unprompted by me’ response is interesting!
continued next page
IKA S
U P P O R T
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U M M E R
2015
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REPORT ON FINDINGS OF THE
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
ORGAN DONATION SURVEY
CONTD.
The 82.54% ‘yes’ answer to Question 19, for a
registry, was very significant and a clear signal.
The majority of 66.77% (in Question 17) believe that
changing to presumed consent would be beneficial,
whilst a high proportion of “I would need more
information” answers to Question 18 - 42% - does
indicate to me that much more work is required to
explain the IKA position on this topic considering our
Board of Directors is unanimous in its position.
In our survey there was a 50% ‘no’ to this question,
compared to the MRBI public survey that had a 55%
‘yes’ answer. There is clear division on the answer to
this question and it poses a fresh debate.
Overall we were delighted with the response to the
survey which gives us a clearer view of your opinions.
We had a total of 124 comments ranging in topics
from presumed consent, registries, family decision on
consent and, comments on the questionnaire in
general.
Questions 16 and 18 asking you to rank
importance of statements in the online survey did not
mention 1 being the top answer. Sorry about that
omission, that lead to some confusion.
We did not ask people whether they were
members of the Association, so these results do not
reflect the views of the IKA membership. Further
examination of the survey can be found online at
www.ika.ie
We did further examination of the answers by the
246 kidney patients who responded to the survey, on
their views, particularly about living donation.
The source of our survey returns were 75%
via Facebook, 16% via the IKA website and
9% via post.
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‘LIVE LIFE – GIVE LIFE’
Eoghan O’Neill with James Nolan
The annual Punchestown
Festival would not be the
same without the final race
on the last day which is
always organised by the
Punchestown Kidney
Research Fund (PKRF). The
Race was founded by
James Nolan in 1990 and
has taken place every year
since.
It is a wonderful
opportunity for amateur
jockeys to ride in
Punchestown in front of
tens of thousands of
supporters. There have
been some memorable
names associated with the
race over the years
including Tommy Carberry,
John Joe O’Neill and Jessica
Harrington. John Kenny
from D’Unbelievables took
part in 1998 and 1999.
Given the longevity of
the Race, it is fair to ask
how it all started. James
Nolan, now a well-known,
and award winning butcher
from Kilcullen, lived with
poor health for a lot of his
early life culminating in a
kidney transplant in 1987 –
his sister Catherine donated
one of her kidneys. Once
he recovered his health
James was determined that
he wanted to ‘give
something back’ and so the
idea of the Race came into
being.
Each rider in the race
undertakes to raise a
minimum of €1000 in
sponsorship as a condition
of their entry in the Race.
This, along with other
sponsorship, has resulted in
over €1.2 million being
raised in the name of the
PKRF over the 26 year
history of the charity.
IKA S
U P P O R T
This year saw Eoghan
O’Neill, a kidney transplant
recipient, take on the Race
for the second year in a
row. This was a wonderful
statement of just how
successful organ donation
and transplantation can be.
Over the years, the
charity has supported
research in the field of renal
medicine, sponsored art
therapy projects for people
on dialysis and sponsored
transplant recipients and
people on dialysis to attend
the World Transplant
Games and the European
Transplant & Dialysis Sports
Championships amongst
many other activities.
They also partnered with
the IKA in the initial
purchase of the holiday
home in Tralee. This year
S
U M M E R
2015
Winner - Bishopslough
they are supporting the
development of a new
renal unit in Temple Street
hospital amongst other
projects.
The funds raised and
projects supported are one
side of the work of the
PKRF. They also work to
promote organ donor
awareness amongst the
general public and the Race
at the Punchestown Festival
every year offers a great
platform for this. The IKA
support the PKRF in
ensuring that there is a
ready supply of organ
donor cards in
Punchestown throughout
the 5 days of the festival.
James and his charity are
to be commended for their
on-going commitment to
improving the lot of renal
patients and their families.
They are already planning
for the 2016 Punchestown
Festival.
15
A
Lia and her baby son Colm
16
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Waterford family
shared its compelling
kidney transplant story
on The Late Late Show
on April 10th. 2014
was an eventful year
for them with a wedding in
January followed by the
groom having a heart attack
in July, then there was the safe
arrival of a healthy baby to his
kidney transplant sister in
September, and in November
the newly-wed groom
received a life-changing
kidney transplant (his third)
from his donor brother.
Síle Murphy from
Kilrossanty, Dungarvan has
experienced more than most
wives and mothers would in
their lifetime, arising from a
hereditary kidney condition
which has affected her
husband Sean and three of
their four children. Over the
years the family has amassed a
total of seven kidney
transplants including five from
deceased organ donors.
The Murphy family now
hopes that by sharing their
story on such a popular TV
show that they can support
the Irish Kidney Association in
raising awareness about the
importance of organ
donation.
Síle, a retired school
principal, summed up last year
saying: “we can hardly believe
all the good things that have
happened in our family in
2014. Christmas 2014 was the
first year in a decade than not
one member of our family was
undergoing dialysis treatment
and we can now look forward
to a bright future”.
The year started off with
Séan and Síle’s son, Bob,
getting married to Diana in
January. At this time Bob had
been undergoing dialysis
treatment for almost three
years which followed the
eventual failure of his second
kidney transplant.
In 1984, Bob received his
first transplant from his kidney
donor father Séan. At the time
it was not known that four
members of the family,
It is impossible to thank
all who have contributed
to our well-being but a
special thanks to our
organ donors and the
medical teams
including Séan, had a
hereditary kidney condition
known as MPGN
(Membranoproliferative
Glomerulonephritis), a
particularly unusual type,
unique to the Murphy
family.
Séan, himself, later
required a kidney transplant
which he received eleven
years ago - twenty years
after donating a kidney to
Bob.
Bob underwent his
second kidney transplant,
thanks to a deceased kidney
donor in 1997. Bob (42)
endured years of poor
health since he was a young
child as a result of his kidney
condition. Bob was one of
the first children in Ireland
to receive dialysis treatment
at Crumlin Hospital. He
suffered a stroke at a young
age and later had two heart
attacks.
Bob’s most recent heart
attack in July 2014 took
place just a week before he
and his brother Mahon were
scheduled to undergo a
living donor kidney
transplant at Beaumont
Hospital. The operation had
to be postponed until Bob
was well enough to undergo
Front: Mahon, Lia, Colm, Síle and Bob.
Back: Jack and Sean
2014, a particular cause for
celebration as Lia had
undergone a kidney
transplant in 2011.
Síle said that ”this would
not have been possible
without the generosity of a
grieving family who donated
a kidney to Lia”.
Two months after Lia’s
baby joy, her brother Bob
and Mahon underwent their
transplant operations. All
these events took place in
the same year as their aunt,
Nuala Dunford, (Séan’s
sister) received a kidney
transplant from a deceased
donor.
Jack Murphy (producer of
the RTE 2FM Ryan Tubridy
radio show), the oldest of
the siblings, received a
kidney transplant eight years
ago.
“It is impossible to thank
all who have contributed to
our well-being but a special
thanks to our organ donors
more surgery for his third
transplant operation.
His donor brother,
Mahon, completed his PhD
in History two days before
the successful brother to
brother living donor kidney
transplant went ahead on
November 3rd, 2014. The
procedure was led by David
Hickey, the same transplant
surgeon who conducted
Bob and Sean’s operation
just over 30 years previously.
Síle said: “After a long
and complicated surgery
and anxious hours of
waiting they both emerged
safely from theatre. Thanks
to a great team at
Beaumont Hospital, the
transplant was a great
success.”
Síle and Séan’s only
daughter Lia Murphy, a
producer at Today FM,
welcomed her healthy baby
Colm Patrick Rooney into
the world in September
1984
1997
2004
2007
2011
2014
2014
and the medical teams. Prof.
Peter Conlon has been with
us through the difficult
times and has made all the
crucial decisions which got
us to this point today so our
very sincere thanks to him.
He always sees light at the
end of the tunnel. We wish
to thank all our friends and
family for the support,
prayers and good wishes
which have kept us going
through the tough times.”
“We are very grateful to
the IKA for its support down
through the years and for
providing us with free
accommodation at its Renal
Support Centre located on
the grounds of Beaumont
Hospital.”
Following the events of
last year, Transplant Surgeon
David Hickey said to the
Murphys, “Ye have just
played in the World Cup
and won!”
RELATIONSHIP TO SILE MURPHY – TRANSPLANT SUMMARY:
Son Bob received living kidney transplant from husband Sean.
Son Bob, has deceased donor kidney transplant.
Husband Sean has deceased donor kidney transplant.
Eldest son Jack has deceased donor kidney transplant.
Only daughter has deceased donor kidney transplant.
Sister-in-Law Nuala Dunford has deceased kidney transplant.
Son Bob received living kidney transplant from son Mahon.
IKA S
U P P O R T
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2015
17
POWER
CHANGE
BY MIKE KELLY
18
One of the questions I am
frequently asked by people who
come to see me is; will I change?
Will I be able to put behind me
whatever it is that bothers me and
feel better? In other words, can I
make the changes necessary to
‘feel better’? The simple answer to
this is ‘yes’ but the extent of
change will differ according to the
needs of the individual.
IKA S
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CHANGE IS CONSTANT
What is often overlooked is that
we are in a state of constant
change. Some changes are minor,
they happen without us even being
aware of them. Other changes
demand that we be intimately
involved and have to work,
sometimes hard, to bring change
about. One certain fact is that we
were all born and depending on
our age, we can look back
and point to the many
obvious changes that have
occurred over the
intervening years.
Therefore it may seem
strange that many of us,
rather than embrace
change, actually resist it,
adopting an attitude of ‘I’m
fine as I am’. The problem is
that many changes are
inevitable and will continue
to happen whether we
engage with the process or
not. Sometimes change is
forced upon us by
circumstances; an accident
that leaves us scarred or
paralysed, a diagnosis of an
illness, advancing age
which leaves us feeling not
as agile as before.
Whatever the
circumstances, we have a
choice, to embrace change
or to resist it.
We recognise that the
world in which we live is
constantly changing. As an
example of this look at the
ways and methods of
communication we have
now compared to even a
decade or two ago.
Sometimes the rate of
change can leave us feeling
helpless or powerless. Yet if
we embrace change we
grow in confidence and
control.
STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE
We can only change in
the present. This is the only
moment we have. Certainly
our past may influence the
way we see change. We
cannot change our past
with its moments that make
us smile or laugh and its
moments of regret that
make us sad, sometimes
tearful and sometimes
feeling ill at ease. Whatever
has happened to us has
happened, we cannot
change it much as we
might like to. All we can
change is the viewpoint
from which we see it.
Acknowledging this may
help us face change in the
present.
Ask yourself a question:
where do you want to be
one year from now? How
do you plan to get there?
What do you need to do to
make achieving your goal
possible? Once you know
where you want to be, you
can plan how you are going
to get there and what you
will need to do to fulfil your
goal.
None of us have
complete control over our
lives. Learning to distinguish
between what is within our
control and what we
cannot control is important
otherwise we can expend a
lot of energy on something
that we have no control
over. Leave aside what we
cannot control – there are
some issues and problems
for which there is no
solution, so why waste
valuable time trying to do
the impossible. Making this
distinction also allows us
direct our energy towards
those goals we have set
ourselves.
It also helps when we
encounter a problem if
we face it rather than
avoid it. We can of
course avoid it but that
does not mean it will go
away. No, it will be
waiting for us when we
come round to looking
at it again. A good
question to ask yourself is;
why am I avoiding this?
A strategy that many
have found helpful in
making changes involves
taking the following steps:
●
●
●
●
Make a list of possible
solutions.
From this list, pick one
possible solution and try
it out.
If it works, good. If it
does not work, try and
discover why it did not
work. Was it too
ambitious, too broad,
too narrow?
Continue down the list
until a workable solution
is found.
Mike can be
contacted
at
Donor House
on Lo-call
1890-543639
or on
01-6205306
or by e-mail:
mike@ika.ie
This is one method that
may be worth trying. It
appears simple and
straightforward. It can be
but it does call for some
work and honesty.
Try it and see if it works
for you.
My thanks to the Clare
and Offaly branches
for inviting me to be
part of their Organ
Donor Awareness
Week launch.
The Irish Kidney Association provides a free and confidential counselling service for those
on treatment, their families and carers, either through their counsellor, based at Donor House,
or through a nationally registered, locally-based counsellor network.
If, as a person on treatment, family member or carer, you feel it would be beneficial for
you to speak to a counsellor or if you would like a referral to a counsellor in your local area
please contact Mike at Donor House.
And thanks also to the
patients and staff in
the renal unit at
Waterford University
Hospital for their
welcome, when I
visited the unit in April.
IKA S
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2015
19
By COLIN WHITE
O
ur domestic sports programme continues with our monthly gatherings in the
ALSAA Sports Complex next to Dublin airport. Whilst our sessions can be low
key we continue to attract new people of all ages.
Our next session will be on July 12th from 11am to 3.30pm and all are welcome.
You can contact me in Donor House for more details.
GERMAN TRANSPLANT
& DIALYSIS GAMES
I
Thoma Doherty
20
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n May, Thomas Doherty (left) from our
Limerick Branch attended the German
Transplant & Dialysis Games.
Currently on peritoneal dialysis, Thomas
was keen to build on his international
sporting
career
having
successfully
represented Ireland at last year’s European
Transplant & Dialysis Sports Championships
in Krakow, Poland.
The warmth of the welcome and the
hospitality he received throughout the
Games clearly put Thomas in good
competing form as he came away with two
gold medals from the track and field.
This is the third year our sports
programme has been associated with the
German Games and it has been an extremely
positive experience. We are very lucky that
our friends in Germany are willing to open
their event to us as it offers an opportunity
for people on dialysis and transplant
recipients to experience the camaraderie and
general bonhomie that go hand in hand with
transplant and dialysis sport.
2015
BRITISH
TRANSPLANT GAMES
July 30th – August 2nd
O
ur current association
with the British Transplant
Games goes back to
2008 when we brought a team
to Sheffield to enjoy the ‘Games
experience.’ The hand of
friendship being extended by
our neighbours opens up the
opportunity
for
an
amazing
experience for transplant recipients.
This year we will have a team of 9
competitors travelling to Newcastle/
Gateshead at the end of July to
participate in the Games, including 2
newcomers to our sports programme.
They will be joining over 800 other
competitors in what will be a
wonderful celebration of the gift of
life.
Every individual will benefit from
being part of the Games experience
and together they will promote a very
powerful message – Organ Donation
Works! Transplant sports events offer
a wonderful opportunity to showcase
to the public the successful outcomes
that can follow organ donation.
WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES
T
his year’s World Games will be held in Mar Del Plata, Argentina at
the end of August. Teams from over 50 countries around the
world are being invited to meet in Mar Del Plata to compete to
the best of their abilities, to meet old friends and make new ones and
to stand together in the promotion of organ donation for
transplantation.
Mar Del Plata, Argentina
We have a small team
travelling this year but, as
always, our athletes will be
proud to fly the flag for
Ireland. It will be a great
opportunity to meet with
fellow transplant recipients
from across the world and
share experiences. Their
achievements will inspire
many others as they showcase what can be achieved post-transplant.
IKA S
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2015
21
Debating
SCIENCE ISSUES
By COLIN WHITE
DSI – Debating Science Issues
is a dynamic debating
competition which invites
young people from
secondary schools to engage
in debate on the cultural,
societal and ethical
implications of advances in
biomedical science.
Co-ordinated by nine
research, medical and science
centres in Ireland, Debating
Science Issues is what true
debate is all about.
This year’s national finals
were held in the Royal
College of Surgeons Ireland
building just off St. Stephen’s
Green in Dublin. All four
provincial finals winners were
invited to compete for the
national title on April 29th.
Having previously
communicated with one of
the organisers, I was invited
to attend the event because
the motion for debate in the
Top left: The Finalists - Clonakilty Secondary School.
Top right: The judges are listening intently.
Above: In full flow
22
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final was: ‘An organ
transplantation allocation
system that considers only
factors associated with
individual medical need is a
more ethically acceptable
method for distributing a
scarce resource than a system
that also considers factors
associated with the patient’s
contribution to society.’
A challenging topic I am
sure you will agree! However,
there was the small matter of
the two semi-finals to
address first. The motion for
both semi-finals was no less
challenging...
‘This house proposes that
the potential benefits of
using embryonic stem cells to
develop new medical
treatments mean we have a
moral obligation to support
this type of research.’
All four teams were told in
advance whether they were
to propose or oppose the
motion at both the semi-finals
and final stages. Thus, they
needed to have intimate
knowledge of both topics but
only the winners of the semifinals would get to debate the
motion on the organ allocation
system.
During the semi-finals I
found that I had to remind
myself that the students were
from secondary schools! The
mastery of the topic that they
displayed and their debating
styles were a pleasure to
behold. The audience waited
with bated breath for the
results of both semi-finals.
I must admit to having had a
vested interest in one of the
teams in particular. St. Vincent’s
from Dundalk (the Leinster
champions) had made contact
with Donor House some weeks
prior to the debate asking for
some information and ideas.
Happily, they made it through a
very tight semi-final to take on
Clonakilty (Munster champions)
in the final!
The students had to turn
from talk of embryonic stem
cells to talk of the ethics of
organ allocation and they did it
seamlessly. The arguments
made by both sides were well
constructed and delivered with
the team from St. Vincent’s,
who were proposing the
motion, coming out as
winners.
It was great to see the
students being asked to turn
their minds to issues related to
organ donation and
transplantation. Through all the
rounds of the competition DSI
brought young minds to bear
on some challenging topics and
in so doing I am sure that the
students involved have been
inspired in their learning. I for
one was heartened by the
event as the insights and
passion shown by the students
bodes well for the future of our
country!
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Top: Winners St. Vincent’s, Dundalk, judges and organisers
Above: The Winners
2015
23
Photos by CONOR McCABE PHOTOGRAPHY
T
he 33rd VHI Women’s
Mini Marathon took
place on Bank Holiday
Monday 1st June and
was, once again, well
attended by our IKA
ladies(!) volunteers.
Deborah, in Head Office,
sent out over 300
sponsorship cards, with
our very visible new t-shirts
and caps - many thanks to
all participants who ran or
walked for the IKA.
Many people made use
of the IKA Doubletree
Hilton Hotel facilities for
showering and changing
for the event as well as the
protection of their
belongings.
24
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A TRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF
CUNNINGHAM
WHO RETIRED RECENTLY FROM THE HSE
Phyllis commenced her nursing
career in Home Haemodialysis
in St. Mary’s Hospital in the
Phoenix Park and her natural
skills were soon spotted. The
patients loved and trusted her
and her empathy and easy
disposition created a unique
warm atmosphere. She later
moved on to CAPD dialysis
treatment at a time when this programme was in
its infancy.
In September 1986 she was appointed the first
Transplant Co-ordinator in Jervis Street and, in the
early years, single-handedly developed the first
transplant coordinated organ procurement service.
At this time 90% of all donations were kidney
only. Today 90% of all donations are multi-organ.
This reality is entirely due to Phyllis’s commitment
and determination to develop the organ
procurement service and her devotion to looking
after all people awaiting organ transplants.
It is important to note that the development of
the service, by Phyllis, is built on three pillars:- The
primacy of timing dictated by the donor family, the
donor hospital and the procurement team. It is
legendary that the convenience of the procurement
team was never taken into account. If a donor
family wished to donate their loved one’s organs,
Phyllis accepted no excuses from the procurement
team. It didn’t matter the day or hour, weekday or
weekend, if there was a potential donation, Phyllis
was determined that it should go ahead. At great
personal and family cost, she drove the process and
united all the team to fulfil the donor families’
wishes. Birthday parties and family celebrations
frequently had to be put on hold as the priority to
ensure there was no delay in the process was the
focus.
A week after each procedure she diligently
followed up with the team to discuss any concerns
or logistical problems that may have occurred and
discussed how they could be rectified in future.
Over the years she developed close personal
relationships with the personnel in the thirty five
hospitals who contribute to organ donation. It is
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important to note that it is this personal
commitment, together with her own warm
personality, that resulted in the enormous
expansion and success of the service. She regularly
travelled out of Dublin to hold meetings in the
hospitals to update and encourage them by
providing feedback on the success or problems of
the programme. She promoted and published the
quarterly ‘Transplant News’ Newsletter, which
contained transplant statistics and also importantly
included the personal human side of patients who
had received the gift of life.
Phyllis, together with her colleague David Hickey,
set up and established the initial database of
donors and recipients. David has stated that the
pancreas transplant programme could not have
commenced in early 2000 without the personal
support and commitment of Phyllis.
It is important also to note that when Phyllis was
appointed, there was no template for a national
organ procurement service. It is entirely down to
her ingenuity, vision, clear thinking and efficient
planning skills that the service went on to develop
so successfully.
At all times she never forgot the importance of
fulfilling the donor families’ wishes. The respect she
held for them is legendary and they, in turn, have
developed a lifelong relationship and trust in her
and regularly choose to keep in contact.
The IKA Book of Remembrance and our annual
Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving were both
developed in consultation with Phyllis who advised
and guided the IKA as to how the generosity of
organ donors could best be acknowledged. Each
year, regardless of any other personal commitment,
she has attended and participated in the Service of
Remembrance and Thanksgiving. 2015’s Service will
be the 30th and it is hoped that she can, once
again, join her donor families at this unique event.
Finally it is relevant and important to quote from
her much respected colleague, David Hickey,
(Retired Director of Organ Transplantation), who
has said ‘Transplantation, without Phyllis
Cunningham, would be at third world level’.
Phyllis, thank you from all at the IKA.
LORRAINE COSTELLO
2015
25
WEST CLARE KIDNEY SUPPORT GROUP
WALK/RUN 2015
Ann Ansboro and Michael Mescall
Peggy Eustace (left) and Vincent O’Halloran (right) with sisters Maire Fagan (Co Louth),
Carmel Hearty and Carmel McDonnell (Co Armagh)
Aisling McCormack and Claire McCormack Malone
Pat Houlihan, Aine Slattery, Kathleen O’Halloran, Breda Considine and Michael Brew
Olive McDonnell and MC for the Walk Sean Chambers
26
he annual West Clare Walk/Run
took place on a windy, overcast but
pleasant afternoon on Sunday May
3rd. It was very well supported from the
area, the county and beyond the county
boundaries.
On a perfect afternoon for walking
Clare branch secretary Michael Mescall
cut the tape in the square in Kilrush
on the Wild Atlantic Way, as the
participants set out on the 10km route
to Cooraclare with the prevailing wind
to their backs and the road gradient in
their favour.
Thanks to the Garda Siochána,
members of the Red Cross and the West
Coast Motor Cycle Club who together
took great care of road safety. They
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carried out their duties in a calm and
orderly manner and their presence and
actions are a tremendous source of
comfort and assurance to all participants
on this busy route.
The members of the Motor Cycle
Club on the day were John McGann,
Tony Collin, Derek Moylan, Donie
Shannon and Johnny Murphy. Sergeant
Gerry Lernihan from Kilrush Garda
Station lends his support each year in a
voluntary capacity. His overall traffic
stewarding of the event is much
appreciated and acknowledged .
We thank those who provided
sustenance for the walkers en route to
Cooraclare and once again thank Ann
and Martin Noel Tubridy for their
2015
Ruth Callinan, Paudie Neylon, Vincent O’Halloran and Tom Prendeville
Flanna and Angela Reid (Co. Tyrone), Patsy Downes and Tomas Ryan
Vinny and Amanda O’Halloran await the cutting of the tape with fellow walkers
hospitality at their premises.
A great evening of music and dancing
followed the event with the music being
provided by Patsy Downes and Tomas Ryan.
The premises was bopping to the rafters due
in no small part to the mid-session interval
singing act performed by the Reid sisters from
Co. Tyrone who were on holiday in the area.
Our special appreciation goes to the
wonderful committee of the WCKSG led by
their Chairperson Tom Prendeville, Bernie and
Anne Tubridy, Ruth Callinan, Paudie Neylon,
Carmel McCormack and Vincent O’Halloran.
Proceeds from the walk have gone towards
many wonderful IKA projects for the benefit of
all kidney patients.
Mary Keogh and Tom Prendeville
SUPPORT
THE
WORK
OF
THE
IKA
Yes, I would like to make a regular donation by
STANDING ORDER.
✄
STANDING ORDER REQUEST FORM
To: The Manager of
(Your bank's name and address)
I/We hereby authorise you to set up a Standing Order on my/our account as specified below:
Signed:
Date:
Address:
PLEASE CHARGE TO MY / OUR ACCOUNT:
Name of Account:
Bank Identifier Code - BIC:
IBAN:
(These can be found, printed on your bank statement)
My regular
Monthly
Quarterly
(Please tick as appropriate)
Yearly
DONATION of Amount €
to start on Date:
/
/
AND CREDIT TO THE FOLLOWING ACCOUNT:
Name of account: IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION at Bank of Ireland, College Green, Dublin 2.
IBAN NO.: IE06 BOFI 9000 1717 1934 35
BIC NO.: BOFIIE2D
As long as you are a PAYE or self-employed tax payer, when you donate €250 or more in a year (€21 or more per month), the Revenue Commissioners will give
the Irish Kidney Association an extra rebate of 45%. For example, if you gave €250 in one year, the IKA would gain an extra €112, at no extra cost to you.
Charity
Registration
No. 20011260
Please post to: THE IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION, DONOR HOUSE, BLOCK 43A, PARKWEST, FREEPOST, DUBLIN 12.
(PLEASE DO NOT POST TO YOUR BANK)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY
ENJOYING THE
By
LORRAINE MORAN
ABBOTT NUTRITION
on behalf of the
RENAL INTEREST GROUP
of the
IRISH NUTRITION & DIETETIC INSTITUTE
As the holidays draw ever
nearer, food is constantly
on my mind! What to
cook, when to cook, how
much to cook and of
course trying to make
everyone happy. And I
don't even have to worry
about a renal diet! So to
make life seem more
manageable I try to make
lists and do some of the
food preparation in
advance. While it's never
quite as smooth as I would
like, I am always very
happy when I am able to
pull a quick meal out of
the freezer or have all of
my ingredients at hand!
ON A RENAL DIET
The holidays can be challenging on a renal diet, especially when you're eating
at someone else's home, in a hotel or B&B, and you aren't certain what's in the
food you're being served. Here are a few strategies you can use to make the
holidays go a bit more smoothly.
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Make a list (check it twice) of the meals you'll be cooking and the ingredients you will need;
this can save time and money.
Offer to bring something and plan on a dish that is kidney-friendly that you know you enjoy.
Ask about the menu in advance; if there's something you aren't sure about you can ask your
dietitian before you go.
Make it a ‘recipe potluck’; suggest everyone brings enough copies of the recipes for the items
they bring to share. Everyone gets to take home new recipes (a great memento of a holiday
get-together) and you get to scan all the recipes to make sure you know what you're eating!
Watch your portions; keep servings small and avoid going back for seconds - eat slowly and
join in the conversation!
Don't be too polite; don't feel you need to clean your plate or try some of everything,
especially if the food doesn't fit well into your kidney diet.
Avoid the ‘extras’; condiments and sauces such as, gravies, pickles, olives, cheese, nuts etc all of these ‘extras’ can be sources of salt, phosphorus, or potassium. See more suitable
homemade recipes on the next page.
Avoid skipping meals; if you're starving you will be much more likely to overeat!
TIPS ON DINING OUT EASIER ON A RENAL DIET
When you know you will be eating out for dinner, plan your breakfast and
lunch at home accordingly. Cut back on serving sizes and foods high in sodium
and potassium during the day. Call ahead or check their website to learn more
about the menu and how the food is prepared. Choose a restaurant where it will
be easiest to select foods best suited for your diet.
Restaurants where food is freshly prepared and made to order are the best
choice. Eating at fast-food restaurants is not totally out of the question. It does,
however, take some thought and planning. Fast food restaurants tend to have
pre-prepared components for their meals, and often these are pre-salted too. This
can make it challenging modifying the meals according to your needs. They usually
have nutritional analysis of their meals which can be useful when
making the best choice from their range of meals.
If ordering in an
We love a bit of sunshine here in Ireland, but unfortunately it
Asian restuarant ask
does not come around very often! But when it does, there is
for sauces on the side
nothing quite like sharing a BBQ with friends and family. Some
as dishes can be very BBQ meals have high salt or high phosphate content, not to
high in salt.
mention risks of food borne bacteria. But this does not mean you
should miss out on delicious tasty meals!
28
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HERE IS AN APPETISING
BBQ MEAL TO ENJOY!
While you are waiting for Method
the BBQ to get started … 1. Add the pasta to boiling water and cook
until tender. Drain the pasta into a bowl
and allow to cool – keep the cooking
water in a jug
PESTO PASTA SALAD
2. Add the basil, olive oil, white wine
vinegar and crème fraiche into food
(serves 4)
processor and blitz until it is a smooth
Ingredients
consistency. (If it looks too thick, add
• 600g pasta twists
some cooking water from the pasta - this
• 80g red pepper, chopped
will help coat all the cooked pasta).
• 40g fresh basil
3. To finish, add the chopped red pepper to
• 3 tbsp olive oil
the pasta and mix the pesto through
• 1tbsp white wine vinegar
until all the pasta is coated. Serve chilled.
• 10g crème fraiche
Per portion this starter dish provides a ½ vegetable portion. Check your daily allowance
to see if you have enough remaining for this dish
PORK KEBABS (serves 4)
Ingredients
For Kebabs
• 1 medium (75g) red onion,
peeled
• 1 medium (80g) green pepper,
core and seeds removed
• 325g pork fillet, cut into 1inch
cubes
• 1 tbsp of red wine, to brush on
during cooking
For marinade
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ level tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tbsp of fresh rosemary,
chopped
Method
1. Place 8 wooden skewers in
water to soak (this will prevent
them burning). Mix all of the
marinade ingredients together
in a bowl, and then stir in the
pork. Leave this to marinade,
covered over for 2-3hours, in
the fridge.
2. Pre-heat barbecue for high
heat.
3. For the kebabs, cut the onion
into 16 equal size pieces. Also
cut the green pepper into 16
equal sized pieces.
4. To construct the kebabs,
remove the skewers from the
water and the meat from the
fridge to start treading the
pieces onto the skewers. Start
with a piece of the meat first,
then red onion, then green
pepper, and repeat this again,
and end the skewer with
another piece of pork (the
pieces of meat at both ends
keep the pieces secure)
5. Lightly oil the barbecue
cooking grate. Arrange
skewers on the prepared
barbecue. Cook for 15 to 20
minutes, brushing occasionally
with red wine until the meat is
completely cooked through
and juices run clear.
Per portion this dish provides 3 protein (meat) exchanges and a ½ portion of your
vegetable allowance. Check your daily allowance to see if you have enough remaining
for this dish.
IKA S
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SUMMER SALAD (serves 4)
Ingredients
• 1½ dessert bowls (125g) Cos lettuce,
roughly chopped
• 25g red onion, finely chopped
• 50g raw runner beans
• 1 level tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped
• 1 level tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Method
1. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and
gently mix to coat the salad.
Per portion this dish provides 1 portion of vegetable
from your daily allowance. Check your daily allowance
to see if you have enough remaining for this dish.
COUSCOUS (serves 4)
Ingredients
• 250g couscous
• 50g green beans, blanched for 2 minutes
• 50g red pepper, chopped finely
• 1 level tsp ground cumin
• 1 level tsp ground coriander
• 1 level tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 tsp of lemon juice
• 250ml boiled water
Method
1. Mix the cumin,
coriander,
black
pepper,
lemon juice
and honey
into the
boiling water
and pour onto the
couscous. Leave to soak
for 5minutes.
2. Fluff up the couscous with a fork and mix in
the remaining ingredients.
Per portion this dish provides a ½ vegetable portion
from your daily allowance. Check to see if you have
enough remaining for this dish.
2015
29
Launch of
ORGAN
DONOR
AWARENESS
WEEK
O
n Monday March 23rd we had the press launch of the 2015
Organ Donor Awareness Week campaign by Minister Leo
Varadkar. The opening was by the Chairman of the IKA,
Stephen O’Sullivan, followed by IKA CEO Mark Murphy.
The Minister gave a very informative speech and he was followed
by Professor Jim Egan, the Director of Organ Donation and
Transplantation Ireland (ODTI). The Minister posed for many
photographs and then departed.
The patient presentations followed afterwards and our champion
Mary Kennedy introduced the four speakers who each presented
their patient stories to the attending press.
Paddy O’Mahoney is a retired fire brigade district officer, from
Marino, in Dublin, who was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary
fibrosis in late 2010. He is married to Pauline, they have four
grandchildren and he received a lung transplant in January 2013 at
the Mater Hospital Dublin.
Kevin Hickey is a 22 year old UCD law student from Monaghan.
Diagnosed with cardiomyopathy he received a heart transplant in
March 2014 at the Mater Hospital Dublin.
Saoirse Perry (22), from Cabra in Dublin, is studying Arts at
Maynooth. Saoirse who has CF received a liver transplant during
Easter 2014 at St. Vincent’s University Hospital Dublin.
Pat O’Sullivan from Mallow, Co Cork is a Regional Manager with
Irish Rail. Pat is married to Helen and they have two children. He was
diagnosed in 2002 with chronic kidney disease and was undergoing
nightly dialysis treatment for 9 hours at a time. Since he made the
presentation, and as Pat's home dialysis wasn't working well for him,
he has had to return to hospital haemodialysis treatment 3 to 4
times weekly.
About 100 people from around the country attended and were
acknowledged for their commitment to organ donor awareness and,
in particular, the donation by Clear Channel of poster advertising on
bus shelters around Dublin.
Stephen O’Sullivan
Paddy O’Mahoney
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Saoirse Perry, Mary Kennedy,
Kevin Hickey and Michelle O’Brien
Mark Murphy
ODTI staff with Mary Kennedy and Minister for Health Leo Varadkar
Northern Ireland Transplant Surgeon Tim Brown, Mark Murphy
and Minister Varadkar
Alan O’Brien and his cousins Niall, Michelle and their mother Florence with Mary Kennedy
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Mark Murphy, Mary Kennedy and Tim Brown
Mary Kennedy
Mary Kennedy and childhood
friend Margaret Hanratty
Mick Dwyer and Mary Kennedy
Kevin Hickey and mother Patricia
Shane Mullen with Margaret,
Claire and Michael Dolan
Anne O’Hara with daughter Kathleen
and granddaughter Saoirse
Donegal branch members
George & Siobhan Bates with Mary
ORGAN DONOR
AWARENESS WEEK
Deborah Cervi and Ashling Hand
Prof. Jim Egan
Saoirse Perry and Minister for Health Leo Varadkar
Margaret McCague & Martin Thornton with Mary Kennedy
Mark Murphy, Colin Clare and Tony Ryan
32
Longford branch members Thomas and Catherine Duffy with Mary
Sligo branch members:
Ita Leydon, Michael McHugh, Marie Fowley, Mary Kennedy,
Liz Gilligan, Geraldine Jenkins and Michael Leydon
Pat O’Sullivan
Gerry Daly and Mary Kennedy
Vera Frisby, Mary Kennedy and Ray Halligan
Mary Kennedy with Chloe Kinahan and
her dialysis baby Sam
Sasha Jordan
and son Myles
Martin Doody, Valerie Brady, Mary Kennedy,
Leo Varadkar and Stephen O’Sullivan
Annette Foley, Dora Kent, Michelle O’Brien, Liam Buttle,
Anne, Saoirse & Kathleen O’Hara, Maire MacGabhann,
Catherine Buttle, Florence & Niall O’Brien with Mary
Cork branch members: Teddy & June O’Neill and Trevor
O’Neill and Lisa Sunderland with Mary Kennedy
Teresa & Jim Byrne with Mary Kennedy
Martina Goggin, Mary Kennedy,
Leo Varadkar and Mark Murphy
Offaly branch members with Mary Kennedy, Jerome Burke, Mary Young
and Mary Harrison Smith
Paddy O’Mahoney and Mary Kennedy
33
Leitrim branch members with Mary Kennedy:
Annetha Kierans, Cathriona Charles and Margaret Charles
Limerick branch members Susan Cannon and Mary Downes
with Mary Kennedy
By COLIN WHITE
As a result of positive feedback after the 2014 Run For a
Life we decided to return to Corkagh Park to host this
year’s Run. South Dublin County Council is to be
commended for the way in which they helped facilitate our
event – it was a pleasure to work with them.
A big ‘thank you’ also to the O’Brien and Pardoe families
who helped promote the event when they attended a
photo call in the park prior to the event itself.
This year, we moved the event from September/ October
time to May 23rd and we were extremely fortunate with
the pay-off in terms of weather. The glorious sunshine on
the day enhanced the beauty of the setting and the
hundreds of people who came to support the day added a
sense of joy, camaraderie and hope. This heady cocktail
resulted in our best Run For a Life since the event’s
inception.
Our little band of volunteers was on hand in the park
from early in the morning to assist in getting things ready.
The commitment and the sense of fun that they brought
throughout the day helped to enhance the experience for
all and certainly made my life very straightforward! I hope
that they know how appreciated they are!
This year it was very pleasing to see the number of
people who registered for the event in advance of the day
– it shows great commitment and certainly helps and
encourages us in the planning phase. It was great to see
the regulars come out and support the event again and it
was a pleasure to meet some of the first-timers – a number
for whom this was their first ever 5km event. Our overall
numbers were up 20% compared to last year!
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Back in 2009 when the event was established by the on-going
sponsors, Astellas Pharma Ltd, I remember contacting them and
suggesting that we could probably round up a number of transplant
recipients who would not only participate in the event but who would
also likely feature very prominently in the results. Happily, our team of
participants did not disappoint that year and members of Transplant
Team Ireland have continued to feature prominently in the results every
year even as the event has grown.
This year we had three transplant recipients in the top 11 finishers
in the 5km and a 12 year old transplant recipient finished in 26th place
(there were 190 people in the 5km). The oldest participant on the day
was a transplant recipient. These were just some of the high profile
transplant recipients who participated. There were so many stories on
the day – transplant recipients, people on dialysis, friends and family
all rallying behind the promotion of organ donor awareness.
Long-time friend of the IKA, Frank Greally (Editor of Irish Runner),
again attended the event and took great interest in the proceedings.
Professor Jim Egan, Director of the Organ Donation Transplant Ireland
office not only continued to show his support for the event, he again
laced up his running shoes and took on the 5km event.
We were very fortunate this year to not only be in a position to serve
our now legendary ‘soup and a sandwich’. Broderick Bros came in with
500 of their delectable bars and Keogh’s also supplied 350 packets of
their wonderful crisps – I rather enjoyed their Shamrock and Sour
Cream flavour. We are very grateful to both companies for their
thoughtful gesture that helped enhance the day for everyone.
What really topped the day off for me was seeing the number of
people who stayed on in the park long after they finished their event.
This made for a wonderful atmosphere and I am sure that our 10km
runners were very happy to see such crowds in the finish area when
the crossed the line.
Planning is already underway for Run For a Life 2016. Given this
year’s success we will probably look at a May date again and we will
be asking South Dublin County Council for permission to use the
wonderful Corkagh Park as the venue.
IKA S
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTED IN 2014 FOR A 3 YEAR TERM
PRESIDENT:
Mark Murphy (Ireland)
VICE PRESIDENT:
Lars Skar (Norway)
VICE PRESIDENT:
Ugne Sakuniene (Lithuania)
SECRETARY GENERAL:
Sari Hostrum (Finland)
TREASURER:
Christian Frenzel (Germany)
This is a summary of
the EKPF activities,
presented at the
General Assembly in
Vilinius, Lithuania in
May 2015
Pictured above are:
Tina Roehrig; Marta Kozireva;
Olav Fikse; Michela Mazzola;
Christian Frenzel; Asko Rasanen;
Sari Hogstrom and Tetiana Olkhovyk
T
he Executive Committee only met via
telephone conference calls throughout
the year due to budget constraints and
temporary ill health of myself and some of
the Committee.
In October the European Kidney Health
Alliance (EKHA) met in Brussels and
discussed future management and plans for
the coming year. A new champion was
found in Karin Kadenbach, MEP Austria.
In the EKHA I
was faced with
the decision to
permit the Dutch
Kidney Patients
Association to join
the alliance as
associate
members. I would
not block a patient
group from
advancing,
regardless of mine
or EKPF’s view of
our differences in
policies.
Many patient organisations were invited
to Brussels to the European ADPKD forum
in January 2015. I was unable to attend due
to an illness but Lars Skar as Vice President
attended a well organised meeting.
A delegation from Astellas Europe
travelled to Ireland to meet with me on
October 29th. I made a grant proposal to
them and we have exchanged contracts for
a grant for 2015.
I was invited and travelled to Rovinj in
Croatia to present the work of EKPF to a
number of patient organisations from
Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia and
Herzegovina. I anticipate that we will see
new member countries from the region in
2016. I want to thank Brane Tome our
auditor for organising my attendance there.
I attended the International Federation of
Kidney Foundations (IFKF) annual meeting
in Lyon, France in October along with my
colleagues from the IKA which is also a
member of the IFKF. The IFKF is a joint
owner of ‘World Kidney Day’ which some
of you partake in. The organisation is facing
some difficult decisions surrounding its
future and I still recommend that we
continue to pay our $500 membership fee.
Haken Hedman from Sweden passed me
an invitation from the Russian kidney
patients to attend their annual meeting in
Moscow in December. At the meeting I
made two presentations, one about the IKA
and the other about EKPF. During the
course of the meeting I met the Ukrainian
patients’ representatives who have now
joined EKPF. The Russian patients have
decided to join us in the future.
The EKHA hosted a ‘Kidney Forum’ in
Brussels in March which some of the
members attended. The alliance had a
management meeting at the same time and
a new document entitled
“Recommendations for Sustainable Kidney
Care” was agreed upon. What the alliance
lacks is the kidney transplant surgeons in
the form of The European Society for Organ
Transplantation (ESOT). They have been
invited to join the alliance but have yet to
do so. In my view their joining would
complete the ‘stakeholder’ alliance which is
dominated by nephrological influence
without transplantation represented by the
surgeons.
Equally, the renal dialysis industry
companies are grouping together in
Brussels as a lobby alliance namely the
European Renal Care Providers Association.
The finances of the organisation are in a
better position now than they were a year
ago and the future is much brighter for the
Organisation.
MARK MURPHY, PRESIDENT
38
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IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM
BLOCK CAPITAL LETTERS PLEASE:
Mr.
Mrs.
Ms.
FIRST NAME:
INITIAL:
SURNAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
MOBILE NO:
EMAIL:
ARE YOU A KIDNEY PATIENT:
If yes, please indicate your current
patient status. Please update our
records when/if status changes.
IF YES
IF NO
PRE DIALYSIS
RELATIVE OF PATIENT
HAEMODIALYSIS
FRIEND OF PATIENT
APD
GENERAL INTEREST
CAPD
TRANSPLANT
HOSPITAL OR DIALYSIS CLINIC YOU ARE ATTENDING:
YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE, OR OLDER, TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION
AS A MEMBER YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE OUR ‘SUPPORT’ MAGAZINE UNLESS THERE IS
ALREADY ANOTHER ASSOCIATION MEMBER AT YOUR ADDRESS RECEIVING IT?
CAN WE CORRESPOND WITH YOU BY EMAIL (if you have an email address), IN PARTICULAR NOTICES
RE: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION AND ANNUAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT, ETC.
YES
NO
WOULD YOU LIKE CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE LOCAL BRANCH WITHIN YOUR AREA?
YES
NO
WOULD YOU LIKE CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE SPORTS SECTION OF THE IKA?
YES
NO
TO BECOME A VOTING MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE MEMORANDUM
& ARTICLES (Rules & Regulations) OF THE ASSOCIATION (copy available on request) OR ON THE IKA
WEBSITE - www.ika.ie
I SUBSCRIBE TO (sign up to and accept) THE MEMORANDUM & ARTICLES OF THE IRISH KIDNEY
ASSOCIATION LIMITED.
SIGNATURE:
DATE:
Please return the completed, signed form to the
Irish Kidney Association (Freepost), Donor House, Block 43A, Park West, Dublin 12.
There is no subscription charge.
DONEGAL
By SIOBHÁN BATES
Lisa McCafferty presents George Bates with the proceeds
of her fundraiser.
Our photographs opposite
show volunteers collecting
during the Donegal
Organ Donor Awareness Week
40
Hello from the Donegal branch.
We held our AGM in April and the following officers were elected:
Chairperson:
Siobhàn Bates.
Secretary:
Sharon Gallagher.
Treasurer:
Kieran Murray.
PRO:
George Bates.
Board member: Kieran Murray.
All committee members were voted in unanimously and
the invite to welcome new blood to all positions on the
committee was widely welcomed. Thank you to all who
attended the AGM.
A big ‘thank you’ also to Ralph Thomson, our outgoing
Treasurer, (but still assistant to Kieran Murray) and Jenny
McDermott, outgoing Board member.
Organ Donor Awareness Week and our churchgate
collections were held during April, and a total of almost
€26,000 has been collected. Well done to our yearly
collectors and voluntary helpers.
Congratulations to two families who received a kidney
donation...the Harkin brothers from Letterkenny (Bernard
donated a kidney to his brother Garvan who had been on
dialysis for a few years) and also to young mum Lisa
McCafferty from Termon whose brother donated a kidney.
Thankfully all are doing well and we wish them all health
and happiness.
On another note we would like to thank Lisa for her
donation of €735, proceeds from a local Termon GAA
dance that was held at The Lagoon in Termon.
Well done and many thanks to the McCauley family,
Arranmore Island, especially Francie on his participation in
the marathon which raised €2465 through sponsorship
from friends and families. Another €400 was also donated
‘online’ via IKA, which brought the total to €2865. A
fantastic achievement! Francie donated his kidney to his
dad Frankie almost two years ago and both are doing well.
Thank you also to Pam Gibson and Margaret
McDermott, Magherasolas, Raphoe, for their kind
donation of €325, in lieu of flowers following the recent
death of Pam’s beloved husband and Margaret’s father,
Alec Gibson.We are truly grateful for your kindness at this sad time.
Our Summer outing for Donegal renal patients, carers and friends takes place
on Sunday July 26th. We are heading to The Doagh Famine Village and a local
hotel for dinner. Anyone interested in attending and who may not be on our
branch mailing list please contact me (086-239-0275).
Our branch Service of Remembrance will be held on November 1st at 3.30pm.
Spread the word and jot down the date and time.
Anyone wishing to fundraise or particapate in any activities that include the
name, or logo of the Irish Kidney Association or Donegal branch, please contact
either your local branch Committee, or any staff member in Donor House, Dublin.
Thank you also to all in the Renal Support Centre. As always the facilities are so
welcome especially to the renal population in Donegal.
Condolences from the Branch to all those families who have lost a loved one
recently. To the Kelly/McDevitt family on the sad passing of Teresa. The families are
long-time supporters and friends of the IKA. This family have had five transplants
whilst four members are on or preparing for dialysis. They are a wonderful asset
to the Donegal branch.
Take care all and have a lovely Summer.
IKA S
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Our young volunteers in Letterkeny
Patricia
Fitzpatrick-Kelly
Margaret McDermott
Deirdre Kelly
* Siobhan Bates
DONEGAL CONTD.
Mae Meehan
Maura Schoumaker
Pam Gibson
Ena McCarron
Yvonne McCrabbe
Teresa O’Brien
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SLIGO
By GERALDINE JENKINS
Find us on FACEBOOK – SLIGO IKA Branch
Welcome to the Summer issue of
SUPPORT.
Our branch’s first ever float entry in
the St Patrick’s Day parade was a huge
success. We were very proud to be
awarded the adjudicators cup. The float
organising committee were: Ita Leydon,
Liz Gilligan, Marie Fowley and Stephen
Mullen. ‘Thank you’ to Stephen for
donating a trailer for the float, from his
haulage business. A very big ‘thank
you’ also to James McCullagh for his
carpentry skills, and for giving of his
time. The organisers deserve credit for
their creativity, imagination and the
enormous time and effort they put in.
They worked long hours in a freezing
cold shed to create the fantastic float.
The weather on the day was very
favourable and the float received huge
rounds of applause as it passed by the
spectators.
Three days later, after the excitement
of the parade, we were straight into the
launch of Organ Donor Awareness
Week. The event was launched by RTE’s
news correspondent, Tommie Gorman
and the location was Doorly Park. The
area was chosen because it is where
our ‘Garden of Reflection’ will be
situated. There has been an unforeseen
delay on the garden project, which was
to start in April, but we are confident
that work will be commencing very
shortly.
Our town and county collection day
for ODAW was Saturday March 28th.
Thanks to all the businesses who
allowed us to collect on, or outside
their premises. As always our loyal
volunteers were out in force and the
collection was very well supported.
I want to once again thank all our
volunteers for giving up their precious
time to help our cause. I especially want
to thank Natasha Brady, whom I
phoned at very short notice on
collection day to ask if she could help
me out as I had to alter the roster to
accommodate another volunteer.
42
Newly elected Sligo
Committee members:
Geraldine Jenkins, Marie
Fowley, Bernie McHugh
and Michael McHugh.
INSET:
Outgoing vice-Chairperson
Eileen Nolan
Natasha literally said: “Ok where do
you need me to collect”? Natasha firstly
had to do her home dialysis, then did
two hours volunteering, and then went
off to work.
A very sincere thank you to Peter
Henry (former proprietor of The Blue
Lagoon bar) for his generous donation
towards our ODAW collection. The
total raised (including proceeds from
the benefit night) was €5261.
Our AGM took place in The Sligo
Park Hotel on April 7th. We regretfully
accepted the resignation of Eileen
Nolan who has been our vice
Chairperson for the past 10 years.
Thanks was extended to Eileen for her
unwavering commitment to this branch
and we were delighted to hear she will
still be attending our monthly
meetings. We welcomed Marie Fowley
as our new vice Chairperson and we
are in no doubt of Marie’s very capable
abilities to carry out her duties.
Our 4th annual benefit night was
held in The Blue Lagoon on Saturday
April 11th. Once again, it was a great
success and a very enjoyable night was
had by all. There were numerous spot
prizes, plenty of food and DJ Kevin
Flannery played a variety of music to
suit everyone. Kevin provided his
services free of charge. Our thanks is
extended to everyone who donated the
generous spot prizes, to Gary Morehan
in Abbey Foods, Kieran Roddy in The
Food Experience and to the
IKA S
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management in Trio Foods for the
provision of the lovely food for the
event.
For the second consecutive year, Ena
Feeney from Ballygawley organised a
group of ladies to do the VHI Women’s
Mini-Marathon for the IKA. A huge
‘thank you’ to Ena for once again
choosing our charity. The weather
conditions on the day were horrendous
but did nothing to deter the efforts of
the 29 women who took part.
A gentleman who deserves a very
worthy mention here is John Francis
Fowley (Ballygawley). John Francis was
the bus driver for last year’s event. On
the way home, John Francis said that
he had thoroughly enjoyed the day,
from start to finish, and that for the
2015 event, he would donate his bus
and services free of charge. This man
was true to his word, and Sligo IKA
branch committee thank him most
sincerely.
Best wishes as always to you all and
your families, and I hope everyone
enjoys the rest of the summer.
Chairman:
Michael McHugh (Re-elected 6th term)
Vice Chairperson:
Marie Fowley (Newly elected)
Secretary:
Geraldine Jenkins (Re-elected 6th term)
Treasurer:
Bernie McHugh (Re-elected 6th term)
Board Member:
Michael McHugh
SLIGO BRANCH ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Parade Organising Committee: Stephen Mullen, Ita Leydon, Liz Gilligan,
Marie Fowley, Roddy McGuinn and James McCullagh
SLIGO BRANCH ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS LAUNCH AT DOORLY PARK
RTE’s Tommie Gorman (right) turns the first
sod for the Garden of Reflection in Doorly
Park. Also pictured is Michael McHugh
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SLIGO CONTD.
44
SLIGO CHARITY NIGHT IN THE BLUE LAGOON
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U M M E R
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SLIGO ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK VOLUNTEERS
Mark Feeney
Tricia Clancy
Stephen
Mullen
Sean, Leanne
and Joseph
Rowlette
Ann Haran
Mark Davey
Sean Fowley
Geraldine
Jenkins
Colin McNiffe
Helen
Sproule
Michael &
Bernie
McHugh
Joe Fallon
Mary Fahy
Natasha Brady
John
McDonagh
Margaret
McDonagh
Eileen Nolan
Lavina Davey
Liz Gilligan and a
member of the public
Helen Phillips
IKA S
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2015
45
DUBLIN SOUTH
By JAMES REYNOLDS
Hello and welcome from the Dublin
South Branch. As many of you are
aware we had our final branch meeting
on Thursday June 11th before the
summer break. I would like to take
this opportunity to thank all of our
members for their continued support.
AGM
Our branch AGM was held in
Cheeverstown House on Thursday April
9th. Thank you to all who attended.
The results of the election where as
follows:
Chairman:
James Reynolds (newly elected)
Secretary:
Peter Pardoe (Re-Elected)
Treasurer:
Owen Kelleher (Re-Elected)
Board Member:
Karen Concannon (Re-Elected)
After 2 years serving as Chairperson,
Colin Clare decided to step down. Colin
has been a brilliant asset for the branch
and we are delighted that he will still
be involved in the future as a member.
We thank him for all his hard work,
leadership and dedication over the last
two years.
ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK
During Organ Donor Awareness
Week we collected in The Square,
Tallaght, Tallaght Hospital, Aldi on the
Belgard Road and SuperValu in Lucan.
We would also like to give a special
mention to Martin Murray (pictured
above) who raised €1705 doing a
sponsored walk and Mai Dillon who
raised €485. The total sum collected
over the period of the week was over
€5,000.
I would like to take this opportunity
to
thank
everyone
for
their
commitment during this time, especially
family and friends.
RACE NIGHT
We will be hosting our annual Race
Night & Karaoke on Friday August 28th
in Morton’s Pub, Firhouse, Dublin at
8pm. We will notify members in the
next few weeks with the details and we
hope to see you there!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Our next branch meeting will be
held
in
Cheeverstown
House,
Templeogue Dublin 6W at 8pm on
September 10th. The Service of
Remembrance will be in Dublin on
Saturday October 3rd and we have also
booked our Christmas party for
Saturday November 28th in the Plaza
Hotel, Tallaght.
SUMMER BREAK
To all our members enjoy your
summer! If you are going abroad, enjoy
the experience and please look after
yourself – and remember to be careful
in the sun, whether at home or abroad!
46
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KERRY
By THERESA LOONEY
Ann O’Donnell and friends presents Teresa Looney, Kerry branch, IKA, with the cheque for €1,080
DUBLIN
SOUTH CONTD.
I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to
all our volunteers who gave their time
during this year’s Organ Donor
Awareness Week. Your help and
enthusiasm has ensured that we have
had another successful collection
across the county.
Congratulations to Stephen Byrne
on his recent transplant. We are
delighted to know that his recovery is
running smoothly. Stephen has
forwarded a cheque for €1000 from
the Liverpool Supporters Club for
which we are very grateful.
On St Patrick’s night a trad session
was held in Daly’s bar in Camp.
Kathleen, the proprietor, proudly
forwarded us €830, proceeds of the
night.
Well done and a huge ‘thank you’
to all who performed and donated.
On April 12th Killarney Valley
Classic Vintage Club held a vintage
tractor and car run and the branch
received a cheque for €300. The club
have two more events planned and
the IKA is again one of their chosen
charities to benefit.
They plan to have a classic car
show and barbeque on July 12th at
Killarney Outlet Centre from 2-6pm.
On September 13th plans are in place
for their Annual Ploughing Show and
following on the huge success of last
year’s event this year promises to be
even bigger and better.
We look forward to being part of
this and will host an awareness stand
on the day.
Sunday April 19th the Lough Lein
Anglers Association held a fishing
competition and raised an incredible
€8565. Members of the club were
friends of the late Tom Fleming and
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they wished this money to be used
towards the upgrading of the
bathrooms in the holiday home
together with the €7000 raised at
Tom’s remembrance night in February.
This work has now been completed
to a 5 star standard and Tom would be
very proud of this project as he was
instrumental when purchasing the
holiday home in 2006.
The late Patricia Coffey’s family
donated €572.43 to the branch and
we are very grateful for their
thoughtfulness.
Chairman Con Brosnan and I
travelled to Camp recently to accept a
cheque for €1080 from Ann
O’Donnell. Ann’s son died tragically 6
years ago and since then the Michael
O’Donnell
Memorial
Darts
Tournament is held annually to raise
funds for worthy causes.
On hand on the night also for the
presentation was Jimmy Dwyer whose
son Paddy received a successful
transplant before Christmas.
A big ‘thank you’ to Ann, the local
businesses and people of Camp for
your ongoing support.
As summer is here we are holding
our Annual Summer Outing on the
weekend June 20-21st for our dialysis
patients in Killarney. A full itinerary is
planned for the weekend, for those
well enough to travel, and we look
forward to having an enjoyable and
memorable time.
Finally, I wish everyone a lovely
summer and we look forward to
welcoming those lucky enough to
have a holiday in the Kerry holiday
home and assure them a céad míle
fáilte to the Kingdom.
47
CORK
By HELEN O’SULLIVAN
It has been a very busy three months
in the Cork branch. In April we had a
very successful launch night to
kickstart Organ Donor Awareness
Week. Guests speakers on the night
included Dr Liam Plant, Alan Coleman
Mayor of Cork county, Nicholas
O’Keeffe, Mayor of Cork city and
Teddy O’Neill, Cork branch Chairman.
The week was very successful with
many volunteers reporting a big
increase in demand for organ donor
cards. Our donations also increased
and this was helped by the large
amount of publicity that the IKA
received from RTE, C103 and 96FM.
Our member Pat O’Sullivan, with
Claire Dolan from Westmeath, made
an appearance on the Today show. Pat
also did a live interview with Patricia
Messenger on C103’s Morning show,
whilst June O’Neill was interviewed
Catherine O’Sullivan and Noreen O’Halloran
Pat O Sullivan and Claire Dolan being interviewed on the Today show during Organ Donor Awareness Week
on 96FM.
At Easter the members of the
branch organised hampers for patients
and members to raffle. This had also
been done at Christmas and had
proved very successful so it was
decided to repeat it at Easter.
Members gathered on a Sunday
afternoon to prepare the hampers and
after many hours of hard work thirty
hampers were ready to be taken to
the dialysis unit for the raffle.
We would like to thank the nurses
in the Renal Unit in CUH for helping
with the draw and distributing prizes
to the winners. We would also like to
thank the dieticians in the hospital for
helping us with the contents of the
hampers.
In April our Annual AGM was held
in the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork
and a large audience was in
attendance on the night. Chairman
Teddy O’Neill, Treasurer Veronica
Helen O’Sullivan, Noreen O’Halloran, Mary Egan and Margo McCarthy
48
IKA S
Dilworth and Secretary Ger Cronin,
gave their reports to the members
before the election of officers.
Teddy announced that he would
not be going forward for election as
Chairman, or as a Director to the
Board and made a heart-warming
farewell speech outlining the work he
had done in his 24 years in the Cork
Branch and at National level. Teddy
and his wife June will be missed, as for
a long number of years both have
been the backbone of the Cork
branch. I am sure the members
throughout the country would like to
wish Teddy and June all the best and
thank them for all they have done.
We would also like to thank
outgoing Secretary Ger Cronin and
outgoing Treasurer Veronica Dilworth
for their work for the branch over the
last couple of years.
At our May meeting it was decided
to hold a ‘meet and greet’ in CUH
Members of the branch after completing the making up of hampers
U P P O R T
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CORK CONTD.
Ger Scannell receiving a bouquet of flowers from the Cork branch to mark her retirement from the Dialysis Unit
over three days to meet the
patients going to and from
the dialysis unit and to
introduce them to the IKA
and advise them of what we
are about and to let them
know what we can do for
them. So on May 11th,
12th, and 13th volunteers
from the Cork branch
manned a desk in the
dialysis unit in CUH to meet
and greet the patients. This
proved very successful with
many new members joining
the IKA and many others
putting their hands up to
volunteer for any future
events and talks we may
have. Our volunteers were
assisted by nurses from the
Dialysis Unit, the Home Unit
and from Ward 4C and we
would like to thank them
Teddy O’Neill and Mike Kiely
Mary Egan
Joe Higgins, Joanne Lyons and Mike Kiely
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most sincerely for their help. It is
hoped to do this again later in the
year at other renal departments in the
hospital.
It was also decided to hold a BBQ
in the city for members and this was
held in the River Lee Hotel on May
29th. Report and photos will follow in
the next issue of SUPPORT.
Also on the night a presentation
was made to Teddy and June O’Neill,
for their loyal and hard work, not just
to the Cork branch but to the IKA at a
National level. Teddy and June love to
travel and were presented with a
holiday voucher, by the newly elected
Member of the National Board
Michael Kiely. Helen O’Sullivan,
Secretary presented June with a
bouquet of flowers.
Michelle Conroy and Noreen O’Halloran
Margo McCarthy and Phil Lennon
2015
49
WESTMEATH
By CATHY SMYTH
Left:
Pictured at the cheque presentation to the Westmeath
Branch, IKA, at Mount Temple Golf & Country Club
were: Cathy Smyth, Eileen Dunican,
Claire Dolan and Eddie Flood
Below right:
Pictured at the presentation of a cheque to the
IKA were from left: Mick Drew, Johnnie Penrose,
John Joe Burke (Chairman, Ballynacargy Vintage Club),
Lorraine Evans, Eddie Flood (Chairman Westmeath IKA
Branch), Mick Cahill (Treasurer, Ballynacargy Vintage Club)
and Tom Price
Pictured at the cheque presentation to the Westmeath Branch, IKA, at Mount Temple Golf
& Country Club were Cathy Smyth, Eileen Dunican, Claire Dolan and Eddie Flod
Hello to you all from the Westmeath
branch.
Our AGM took place on April 21st.
There was a strong attendance. As a
result of the meeting Eddie Flood is
remaining as Chairman of the Branch
and Eileen Dunican as Treasurer. Claire
Bardon stepped down as Secretary
and Cathy Smyth will be replacing her.
We would like to take this opportunity
to thank Clare for all her hard work
over the past two years.
The branch has been busy
fundraising.
There was a terrific
response to a tractor run by
the Ballynacargy Vintage Club
in Westmeath in aid of the
Irish Kidney Association.
Approximately €8,000 was
raised and the money will go
directly to the Renal Support
Centre at Beaumont Hospital,
Dublin. Chairman of the IKA
Westmeath Branch, Eddie
Flood, said he was
overwhelmed at the success
of the event.
“Great credit must go to
the club and all involved in
the tractor run. It was a major
success. We were completely
taken aback by the success of
it,” he said.
Around 50 tractors were
involved in the run, which
took in a 50km route from
50
Ballynacargy to Ballymore, returning
via Moyvore and Williamstown.
Participants paid a €20 fee while a
large number of volunteers ensured
the route was well marshalled.
The ladies committee supplied food
in the Ballynacargy Parochial hall for
the tractor run before and after.
He also thanked the Club
Chairman, John Joe Burke, the hardworking committee and volunteers.
There was also a street collection in
Mullingar, as part of the event, and it
also proved very successful.
IKA S
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Claire Dolan organised a golf
fundraiser in Mount Temple Golf
& Country Club over the May bank
holiday weekend and Eddie Flood
organised a churchgate collection in
Mullingar.
Members of the branch will be
participating in the annual Croagh
Patrick climb on July 11th.
All members are welcome to join
in.
Please contact Eddie Flood
(087-9665750) if you are interested.
LIMERICK
By MADELEINE DONAGHY
Left:
At the Limerick launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week
were: (back, l-r): John Lotus, Kevin Downes,
Susan Cannon, Paul Browne and Mary Downes.
(front): Madeleine Donaghy
Below right:
Members of IKA Limerick branch attending branch meeting
at Hospital Tennis Club: Susan Cannon, Mary Downes,
Sandra Dillon, and Michael Sheehan.
Limerick branch members are looking
forward to the long summer days and
hopefully some new initiatives. We are
always open to welcome new members
with new ideas to join us at the branch
meetings.
The branch AGM took place in April
in the Clarion Hotel, Limerick city. We
were delighted to welcome Stephen
O’Sullivan, IKA National Honorary
Chairman to the meeting. Our
condolences go to Stephen on the
recent death of his wife Maura.
At this year’s AGM a new
Chairperson and Treasurer were
elected. Many thanks to outgoing
Chairperson John Loftus and Treasurer
Des Cusack. We wish Sandra Dillon,
incoming Chairperson, and Michael
Sheehan, incoming Treasurer, all the
very best for the coming year. Mary
Downes remains as our very efficient
secretary and Susan Cannon remains
the Limerick Board member of the IKA.
Two players with Limerick senior
hurling team Kevin Downes and Paul
Browne assisted the branch members
to launch Organ Donor Awareness
Week in the Clarion hotel in March.
Members were very active during the
week and it was really great to see so
many new faces manning the many
colourful donor awareness stands
around the city and county. Many
thanks to everybody and we hope to
see you all again next year. Special
thanks to Mary O’Gorman who once
again did trojan work for the IKA.
Limerick county has a very large rural
hinterland and it is very difficult for
members at the far ends of the county
to attend branch meetings which take
place in Limerick city. We wish to thank
Richard and Anna Costelloe who
allowed the branch to hold their
meetings in their very popular bar and
restaurant for such a long time. The
meetings will be held at the new venue
of The Good Shepherd Day Centre,
Good Shepherd Avenue, Pennywell
Road, Limerick. However the branch are
hoping to start an outreach to different
areas of the county to assist members
IKA S
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who live a long distance from Limerick
to avail of a meeting.
The first outreach meeting was held
in Hospital, County Limerick, on May
10th. Hospital Tennis Club hosted the
meeting and were delighted to
welcome the branch members to the
area. The meeting was a very social
evening with many stories and
anecdotes exchanged over the cup of
tea after the meeting.
We are hoping to replicate this in
many areas and are looking for
volunteers for the next meeting.
The Limerick Branch would like to
congratulate Thomas Doherty on his
great achievements at the recent
German Transplant & Dialysis Games.
Thomas, currently on peritoneal dialysis,
represented Limerick with distinction
and came home with medals!
51
1
2
4
3
Waterford branch
Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving
5
9
6
8
7
52
IKA S
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WATERFORD
12
By SUSAN COWMAN
11
As with all the other branches of the IKA we had a busy and successful
Organ Donor Awareness Week. We would like to thank all the volunteers
who gave us their time and of course to all who kindly donated to the
collections.
Our AGM was well attended back in April. The meeting ended with some
lovely refreshments.
On Sunday May 24th, we held our Service of Thanksgiving &
Remembrance at UHW Chapel. It was officiated by Rev Jenny, Father John,
Father Richard and our guest Father Liam Lawton, who treated us to one of
his beautiful songs. We would like to thank Sr Brenda and Vera Frisby for all
the hard work they put into organising the Service, to the Choir for providing
us with lovely music throughout and to Mary Grimes’ Catering for the food
afterwards. Thank you to Joe Cashin who came along with his camera and
has supplied the lovely photos of the Service.
We have our annual County Churchgate collections taking place on June
20th and 21st. Also on the 21st we have the Family Fun Day, in Newtown,
Kilmacthomas. This is a great day out for all age groups and hopefully the
weather will be kind to us.
Our annual 10K walk takes place on Sunday, August 30th, commencing
from Wall’s Bar, Carrigbeg, walking to the Forge Bar in Portlaw, where we
will have tea and coffee etc. If anyone would like to take part or take
sponsorship cards for the walk, contact me on 087-8546367.
The Holiday Respite Centre here in Tramore has been open since May and
will be occupied until late September. We would like to welcome all the
patients and we hope you and your families enjoy your holiday in Tramore.
Lastly, on the next page, there are some notes that will keep you up-todate with all the happenings in our Dialysis Unit, written by our lovely
patient, Liz ‘Lizzy Bits’ McCue.
10
IKA S
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At the Waterford Branch Service of Remembrance
& Thanksgiving held at Waterford University
Hospital were:
1 Nicholas, Phil and Megan Harrington.
2 Frank Curtis, Tom Kelly and Angela Kelly.
3 Theresa Hearns and Moira Cashin.
4 Lil O’Connor and Mary Cleary.
5 Geraldine Barr, Brenda Nolan (nurse at the
Dialysis Unit), Lia Nolan and Mary
Prendergast (nurse and recording artist).
Geraldine and Mary are sisters who also
sang during the Service.
6 During the Service in the hospital chapel.
7 Susan Cowman and John Meade.
8 Joe Moynihan (kidney recipient), Fran
Moynihan, Rev. Jenny Crowley, Dr.
Abernathy (WUH), Ann Cowman and Craig
Cowman (kidney recipient).
9 Ned Lyons, Mary Lyons (kidney recipient),
and Jane Roche.
10 Ita Ennis, Moira Cashin and Kitty Grant.
11 Geraldine Donnelly.
12 Tony Tyrell, Carol Ray and Molly Tyrell.
Photos by
JOE CASHIN
53
WATERFORD
CONTINUED
By LIZZYBITSMcCUE, DIALYSIS PATIENT
THE COMINGS AND GOINGS
FROM OUR DIALYSIS UNIT
Recently, Mark Murphy, CEO, IKA
came on a day visit to our renal unit.
Sister Brenda Ronan gave Mark a
warm welcome and introduced some
of us patients to him. The IKA are
putting €5,000 towards the new 27”
televisions for 14 bed stations with
Sky Sports plus new headphones.
The Waterford Renal Patients Fund
have also donated €3000 towards
this. Most of the men will love Sky
Sports for the racing and other sport
options. We give sincere gratitude to
all parties involved in this project for
us patients. As of now, we have had
our fourteen new 27” televisions
installed; however they still need a
bit of work to get them up and
running!
One of our most recent
haemodialysis patients Patrick Flynn,
Stradbally, Co Waterford, raised
approximately €12,000. Patrick got
together with his family and friends,
all of whom donated beautiful gifts
for the big Christmas Hamper Draw,
which took place in Whelan’s Public
House, Stradbally Village, Co
Waterford. Thanks to John and
Caroline Whelan for the kind use of
their premises, for the IKA draw and
of course to Patrick Flynn and family
who helped sell lots of tickets for the
lovely hamper, and all his many caring
friends in County Waterford and
further afield. Thank you, thank you,
thank you to everyone, especially our
Patrick.
We had a collection for our Admin
Assistant Ann Dunphy, who has
decided it was time to say goodbye to
the nurses and patients. Ann worked
in the office for many years and is
such a kind, beautiful person, who
was dedicated to her job, the patients
and drivers. Ann will be sorely missed
by us all and we wish her the very best
of health and good luck for the future.
We gave a warm welcome to Mike
Kelly, IKA Counsellor based in Donor
House, Dublin. Mike came to visit us
at our dialysis unit, in University
Hospital, Waterford. Thanks from all
54
Peggy & Joan Naughton and Mary Abbott
of us to Mike for the time he spent
chatting and just listening to us. I’m
sure this meant a lot to most patients
and nurses. It was great to meet Mike
and to receive his lovely letter,
thanking us for making him feel so
welcome.
Our nurse Deirdre Crowe did a lot
of work in the Carrick-on-Suir Organ
Donation Awareness Week, back in
March. She lodged a big €3,741 to
the bank for the IKA. Well done
Deirdre, that’s brilliant. And to all who
helped out with the collections and, of
course to those who donated, we
thank you all, you are a great bunch
and we will not forget your kindness.
We said goodbye to Brendan
Kenneally, one of our Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday patients. He
got a successful kidney transplant,
which I’m sure is going superbly, as we
haven’t seen him back to us. Long
may it last Brendan and to all the
kidney and other transplant recipients,
we wish good health and happiness.
It’s the holiday season here in the
sunny South, as we meet and greet
patients from other units, holidaying
in the Tramore Holiday Apartments.
One patient who stood out, with his
witty humour and strong Dublin
twang was Tom, based in the Tallaght
Dialysis Unit. Tom made our week
with the gales of laughter and fun. Do
come again Tom you're a tonic and
great craic was had by all that met
you.
On behalf of all the patients, we
give a sincere ‘thank you’ to all our
life-saving teams, to all the staff
members that work so hard keeping
us in good health 24/7, 365 days of
the year, through thick and thin, by
that, I mean sometimes there are staff
on holiday or off due to illness, our
nursing teams cover for them, we
appreciate you all.
Here’s hoping our summer goes
well, both with brilliant weather and
our good health.
Regards
from one of the longMary Murphy and Marie O’Brien
standing patients
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WEXFORD
By MARIA DONLON
AGM
Our AGM was recently held in the
Riverbank House Hotel, Wexford. Mark
Murphy, IKA Chief Executive, was in
attendance on the night and our
officers were re-elected. Refreshments
were served afterwards.
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Our Branch Service of Remembrance
will be held in Clonard Church on the
July 10th at 8pm.
All are most welcome.
QUIZ
Frank Curtis and family held a table
quiz on April 2nd in The Oaks
Foulksmills in aid of the Wexford
branch and raised €1,230. Many
thanks to the Curtis family and to all
those who supported it.
ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK
Our ODAW raised €12,000, and again
many thanks to all who volunteered
their time to help with the collections.
SYMPATHY
The Wexford branch would like to
express their deepest sympathy to
Stephen O’Sullivan, IKA National
Chairman, on the passing of his wife
Maura, RIP.
IKA RUN FOR LIFE
Eddie Kehoe, Castlebridge, his wife
Maire and family, took part in the IKA
Run for a Life. Eddie is celebrating his
32nd anniversary of his kidney
transplant which he received when he
was a 23 year old newly-wed. They
raised €1,300. Thanks to the Kehoe
family.
BAG PACKING IN DUNNES
Our recent bag packing in Dunnes
raised €832.00 and thanks to all who
gave their time.
GALWAY
By EOIN MADDEN
Cooke, was held in Renzo Café, Eyre
Street, Galway, from March 9th to April
19th. The opening night on March 14th
was well attended and a great success.
The exhibition was a sell-out, which I
believe is a first for Renzo’s, and €2,110
was raised for the Galway branch. We
are very grateful to Angeline for the
Left:
Stephen O’Sullivan (IKA National Chairman)
and Angeline Cooke at the ‘Looking West’ exhibition
of watercolours
Below right:
Volunteers collecting during Organ Donor Awareness Week
Maura O’Sullivan
Our deepest sympathies go to our
Branch and National Chairman,
Stephen O’Sullivan, on the recent sad
loss of his beloved wife, Maura. May
she rest in peace.
We all loved Maura, who went
through so much illness, with grace and
courage. It was a real privilege to have
known her. Our thoughts and prayers
are with you, Stephen.
We would also like to thank Stephen
for his dedication and hard work over
the past two years, in the demanding
position of National Chairman,
especially during the very stressful
months of Maura’s illness. However, as
he retires from that position, at the
National AGM, he has plans to
continue his commitment to the IKA on
a national level.
Congratulations
to
Maureen
Murphy, who celebrated the 25th
anniversary of her kidney transplant on
March 19th. A founder member of the
IKA, Maureen is a key local figure in the
IKA, and was a renal patient long
before the IKA was founded. We wish
you many more years and improved
good health, Maureen.
‘Looking West’, the first solo
exhibition of watercolours by Angeline
generous donation of her artistic talent
and time.
Organ Donor Awareness Week was
well supported in Galway city and
county, as with other years. A huge
‘thank you’ to all our volunteers and
supporters, who never let us down.
Our branch AGM was held in the
Menlo Park Hotel on April 16th. Ten
members attended and the ‘usual
suspects’ were duly re-elected. This
situation cannot continue, and we urge
you, the members, to consider if you, a
family member, or friend, could give
just a few hours a month to attend
meetings and help organise various
events.
Please
support
your
Association!
A 100km cycle was held on Sunday
May 24th in fine weather, from New
Inn to beautiful Shannonbridge. Over
50 cyclists took part, which is
extraordinary for a fledging cycle club,
and in excess of €5,000 was raised for
the the IKA. Thanks to all that cycled,
decked out in bright IKA t-shirts, those
who donated, and in particular to
Gráinne Costello, the chief organiser. A
presentation will be held on June 20th.
On bank holiday Monday, June 1st,
Carmel Moran and friends travelled
from Woodlawn to run the Dublin
Women’s Mini-Marathon in aid of the
IKA. Thank you, Carmel.
Our annual Churchgate Collections
began in East Galway in Moylough and
Gurteen on Saturday May 30th and
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Sunday May 31st. Thank you to
Martina Donnellan and Councillor
Michael Connolly for organising them.
On Saturday June 27th and Sunday
June 28th further collections at church
gates across the city and county will be
held. Please contact me if you can assist
(086-6794006).
We did not hold a Christmas party
last year, due to falling attendances.
However we would like to hold a social
event this autumn. We want to do so in
such a way to accommodate our renal
patients, who are always invited as
guests. Do please contact me, Eoin
Madden, with your suggestions.
I wish you all good health, and a
relaxed, sunny summer.
55
CLARE
By MICHAEL MESCALL
Fr Tom Hogan, Professor Austin Stack, Mayo of Clare John Crowe and Peggy Eustace
Consultant kidney specialists Dr. Michelle Gaffney
and Dr. Con Cronin
ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK
The Organ Donor Awareness Week
launch was marked by a Patients’
Information Evening at the Temple
Gate Hotel on March 19th. The
principal speaker was Professor Austin
Stack, University College Hospital
Limerick (UCHL) and his presentation
dealt with the topic of kidney disease
identification and causes.
The other presentations on the night
were delivered by Libby Sweeney,
Pharmacist, UCHL and Mike Kelly, coordinator of counselling services at
Donor House.
Our thanks to all the speakers for
their excellent presentations.
And thanks also to our members
and loyal volunteers who gave so
generously of their time to promote the
organ donor card and fundraise for the
IKA.
We also wish to thank the
media...the Clare Champion, the Clare
News and Clare FM radio for their
valuable contribution in highlighting
Organ Donor Awareness Week
Regina Reynolds, National Organ Procurement Co-Ordinator, ODTI, Mary Keogh, Michael
Mescall, Aileen Counihan (Transplant Co-Ordinator, Beaumont Hospital) and Maureen Mescall
56
IKA SUPPORT S
each year.
MASS OF REMEMBRANCE AND THANKSGIVING
Donor families, patients and
transplant recipients, from all over Clare,
gathered in the Cathedral in Ennis on
Sunday May 24th for the Branches
annual Mass of Remembrance and
Thanksgiving. We wish to thank them
for travelling and attending the service.
Mannix Berry, transplant patient,
gave the introductory speech to the
ceremony which was performed by
Fr Tom Hogan. Every year he celebrates
this wonderful liturgy with a personal
humanity and compassion that has an
intimacy that touches all who attend.
Elisha Barry and her granny Marian Barry with Mary and Sarah Keogh
2015
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CLARE CONTD.
DUBLIN EAST & WICKLOW
By CATHERINE FOLEY
Brenda Bunyan, Geraldine and Joe Grace
and Carmel McCormack
Also in attendance at the celebration
were transplant co-ordinators, from
Beaumont Hospital, Regina Reynolds
and Aileen Counihan.
Limerick Regional Hospital was
represented by Dr Con Cronin,
Professor Austin Stack, and Dr Michelle
Gaffney.
Following the Mass refreshments
were served in the adjacent Old
Ground Hotel at which the renal
patients and their families had the
opportunity to mingle.
On June 15th the Branch
enjoyed a delightful social
evening with a flower
arranging demonstration by
Una Whelan one of our
members.
An avid flower arranger,
competitor and member of the
Bray Flower Club, Una has
been very involved in flower
arranging circles for years. She demonstrated her skill in creating a number of
beautiful arrangements, combining vivid colour with complementary foliage.
It was obvious that Una has a great love for the art of flower arranging and
gave us all a good insight into the time and skill involved in producing colourful
and artistic arrangements
The evening was well attended and there was a free raffle with eight lucky
members winning lovely floral displays. Refreshments were served following the
demonstrations and the evening was greatly enjoyed by all.
The Branch thanks Una for a thoroughly interesting and entertaining
presentation.
AGM NEWS
Miriam O’Brien stepped down as
Chairperson of the Clare branch at our
recent AGM.
We thank her for her valued and
dedicated contribution over the years
and wish her well in her future
endeavours.
BEREAVEMENTS
We extend our deepest sympathy to
the families of the late, Brendan
McCarthy, Shannon and Mary O’Leary,
Kilmihil. May their souls rest in peace.
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DUBLIN EAST & WICKLOW
By GLORIA PROBY
Volunteers who helped with collections
during Organ Donor Awareness Week in
the Arklow and surrounding areas. A
total of €5,788 was collected.
Margaret Walker and Pat Walters
Olive Ormiston, Maura Byrne and Noreen Larkin
Maureen Leah and Betty McKeown
Kathleen Kinsella, Nancy Kenny and Violet Waldron
Peter and Jo O’Toole
Philip Kavanagh and Barbara Tutty
Dolores Hughes and Noleen Brauders
Pat O’Malley, Maeve Byrne, Muriel Stedman & George Wynne
58
Liz Duncan and Maureen Leahy
Mary and Felix Byrne
Deirdre Power and Nancy Kenny
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Betty McKeown and Ann Cornwall
2015
WICKLOW GARDAI AND FRIENDS
take on the
4 COUNTY CHALLENGE CYCLE FOR IKA
Mary Darcy
Noreen and Bridget Byrne
On August 18th,
Wicklow-based
Garda David
O’Donovan, along
with his colleagues
and friends will cycle
a gruelling 256km,
from Wicklow Town
to Abbeyleix, Co.
Laois and back in one
day, as part of the 4
County Challenge to
raise money for the
Irish Kidney
Association.
A charity close to
his heart, David
especially picked the
date of the cycle to
coincide with the
25th anniversary of
the passing of his
father, Garda Michael
O’Donovan, a kidney
dialysis patient who
suffered from
David O’Donovan and his colleague
Sylvia and Michael O’Donovan
Darrinagh Marshall and David Proby
Margaret Woolmington and Betty Rose
Pat Byrne and Mary Synnott
Polycystic Kidney
Disease. Stationed
in Abbeyleix for 27
years, Michael
himself was a big
supporter of the
IKA, fundraising
through both the
Laois branch and
An Garda Síochána,
for many years.
Although his
father, Michael, did
not benefit from a
kidney transplant,
David, along with
his colleagues,
hope to increase
awareness of organ
donation and the
importance of
carrying a donor
card.
If you wish to support David and his colleagues in their efforts, please
donate at the following link: www.justgiving.com/4ccforika or if you
would like to offer any assistance with the event i.e. bicycle maintenance,
energy bars or refreshments please contact David at
dave1702od@hotmail.com or at Wicklow Garda Station 0404-60140.
You can also follow the 4 County Challenge for IKA on facebook.
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OFFALY
By ALISON LEAHY & JEROME BURKE
ODAW LAUNCH
The Offaly branch of the IKA got
together on Wednesday March 25th
for the Offaly launch of Organ Donor
Awareness
Week
and
Patient
Information Evening. A group of 85
members of the public, dialysis and
transplant patients and their families
gathered for this yearly event now in its
10th year.
It was opened by the Chairman,
Jerome Burke. He expressed a sincere
‘thank you’ for the support of the
Offaly people over the last year and
praised the spirit of volunteerism that
exists throughout Offaly.
Jerome then introduced the
following speakers:
Mike Kelly, National Co-Ordinator of
Counselling Services with the IKA, who
spoke on ‘Caring for the Carers’ –
Family Role In Caring; Brendan Reddy,
CNM 2, Midland Regional Hospital,
Tullamore, spoke about ‘Renal Nursing
- A Unique Patient Relationship’;
Bernard Aughey, transplant recipient
spoke about ‘Support on Dialysis and
Post Transplant’ and Cllr. Sinead
Dooley, Cathaoirleach Offaly County
Council, declared the week opened
and sought support from the people of
Offaly to what she said was a very
worthy cause.
This was also the 9th year of our
Achievement Awards, the purpose of
Kay Dunne receiving her certificate from
Cllr Sinead Dooley and Jerome Burke
60
Noreen Gleeson receiving her Certificate of Achievement with members of the Dialysis Team MRH, Tullamore
which is to recognise the outstanding
achievement performed by an individual
or a group in Offaly towards the work of
the branch and the IKA nationally.
There were six people applauded this
year and they were presented with their
awards from Cllr. Dooley.
Noreen Galvin, CNM 3, Dialysis Unit
MRH, Tullamore; Joe & Mona Gleeson,
Kay Dunne, Eugene & Anne McDermott,
all whom are active branch members
and 24/7 carers.
The night concluded with tea/coffee
and refreshments.
AGM
The Chairman Jerome Burke
welcomed all members to the AGM.
He addressed the meeting and gave
a lengthy report on the Branches
activities over the past year and also
outlined the plans for 2015-2017.
The following were elected for the
term 2015-2017.
Chairman:
Jerome Burke
Secretary:
Maureen Allan
Treasurer:
Mary Young
PRO:
Alison Leahy
Board Member:
Jerome Burke
A special word of gratitude on behalf
of the Branch was expressed to
Geraldine Leahy, who stepped down as
Secretary and David Cullinan, PRO who
also stepped down after many years of
service to Offaly IKA.
GET WELL WISHES
The following Members were sent
get-well wishes, who are ill at this time:
Eamonn O’Meara, Liam Swaine and
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Eugene & Anne McDermott receiving their Certificate of
Achievement from Cllr Sinead Dooley and Jerome Burke
Anne Egan, former Branch treasurer
who was in hospital.
SYMPATHY
Sympathy was expressed to the
following families of Moira Corcorcan,
Birr; Eddie Costello, Tullamore; and
Brendan O’Toole (Offaly branch
member).
The branch also sympathised with
our National Chairman, Stephen
O’Sullivan (Galway), on the death of his
wife Maura; Julie Hughes, on the death
of her husband Tony (former Board
Member), Co. Dublin; Fintan Clooney,
on the death of his father, Joe; and Kay
Dunne, branch member on the recent
death of her Aunt Esther in Carlow and
her brother, Michael, who died suddenly
in Luton, England.
A minutes silence was observed to
remember all who passed away.
ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK
The week in Offaly was a successful
event. The sum collected to date is
€9,152.91, a plus figure compared to
our total in 2014. Well done Offaly!
TIPPERARY
OFFALY CONTD.
By DORIS CANTWELL
Danielle Walsh
celebrating 20 years
of her kidney transplant
with her mother Kit
and her friends
Cleantha Heffernan,
Nathalie Jordan and
Karen Hayden.
Mary Young and Anne Marie & Keefa Glynn
We applaud the generosity of our many
volunteers throughout the county who gave
of their free time to collect on behalf of the
IKA. To them we leave these final thoughts,
Arthur Ashe, Professional tennis player and
Civil Rights campaigner once said:
From what we get,
We can make a living.
From what we give, however,
Makes a Life.
AFTERNOON TEA
Many thanks to Christy and Patricia
Coughlin for their recent fundraising event
which raised €1,685 for the Branch. Thanks
to them and to all who supported the event.
Belinda Kilmartin, Deirdre, Grace & Margaret Flynn, Sinead
Mahon and Lorraine Coughlan at the Afternoon Tea event.
Susan Ryan,
Finbarr O’Neill,
Donal Coughlan,
Deirdre Ryan
and Maisie O’Neill
Christy and
Patricia Coughlan,
hosts of the
Afternoon Tea event
Greetings from Tipperary...as summer approaches we hope you are all well
and that you get out and about to enjoy the longer days and the sunshine.
We also think of our members who are not well at the moment and we
hope you will soon be feeling much better.
We held our AGM in the Order of Malta Centre, Thurles on April 7th.
We were very pleased to see so many members present on the night. Due
to family commitments Carmel Fennessey decided to resign as Treasurer.
We sincerely thank Carmel for all her work over the past three years and
we wish herself, Mike and their family all the very best. Ann Nolan was
elected Chairperson; we welcome Ann and look forward to her input. Joan
Gavan remains as our board member, Orla Hogan Ryan as our Secretary,
and Doris Cantwell was elected as Treasurer.
We sincerely thank all those who helped during organ donor awareness
week. I want to acknowledge the massive work done by our members in
our county towns every year during donor week. This year we did very well
with our collections, and we were well received by the public. I would also
like to express thanks to the stores who allow us to collect at their
premises and also
to promote organ
donor awareness.
Well done to our
Nenagh members
who raised €2485
in their
Churchgate
collection.
Our thanks to
John Long who
raised €750 from
his beard shave,
and €250 from
Danielle Walsh with her parents Kit and Michael and her brother Greg
the vintage silage
making demonstration. On September 11th we plan to have a Vintage Tea
Morning, with the ladies from Place 4 You at Morton St Clonmel. These
ladies run the tea morning every fortnight (each time for a different
charity). We would love to see anyone who is free to come, the time is
10.30am-12.30pm. Lots of tea, sandwiches, cake and chat.
On June 1st a very happy event took place in the Watermill Thurles.
Danielle Walsh gathered with her family and friends to celebrate the 20th
anniversary of her kidney transplant. It was a lovely joyful event and a
pleasure to be present on the night. We congratulate Danielle and wish
her many more years of good health. I know that on the night Danielle
was also thinking of the gift she has received from her donor and her
donor’s family.
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LEITRIM
By HELENA O’NEILL
LEITRIM
Greetings to all our members. We hope
everyone is keeping well.
ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK
Organ Donor Awareness Week for
Leitrim was launched by the newly
elected first Lord Mayor of Drumkeeran
Seamus Gallagher and his wife
Kathleen. A number of members of the
local community were also in
attendance and supplied the tasty
refreshments. Our thanks also to Ian
Forde who gave us a room in his Inn for
the event.
CAKE SALE
Tommy McPartlan of The Vintage
Car and Rally Club invited our branch
to hold a cake sale on the day of the
fair, which is held annually in
Manorhamilton. This year the
organisers nominated the IKA as their
second charity to receive half the
proceeds of the event. The proceeds of
the cake sale were also donated to the
IKA.
We are very grateful for the
generosity of the Vintage Car Club
members.
62
FUNDRAISER
Martin Brannagan held
a fundraiser for the IKA
and raised almost €1500.
Martin had been letting
his hair grow for three
years and held the big
‘chop’ event in the Swan
Bar in Carrick-on-Shannon
on April 2nd. It was a
great night. Martin raised
the money by collecting
on the night and with
sponsorship cards. He also
had an extensive social media
campaign to promote the event and
to create awareness.
He donated his hair to the Little
Princess charity which make wigs
for children suffering from cancer.
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Annetha Loughran was elected branch
Chairperson, Cathriona Charles was reelected Secretary and National Board
Member and Frank Heslin was re-elected as
Treasurer. Our thanks to Kathleen McTeigue,
the out-going Chairperson, who still gives
her valuable time to the affairs of the
branch.
Thanks to all our volunteers who
distributed organ donor cards and collected
donations on behalf of the Association
during Organ Donor Awareness Week. The
fact that they give their time freely for the
cause is much appreciated.
2015
DUBLIN NORTH
By PATRICIA MACKENZIE
BRANCH AGM
The AGM of the Dublin North Branch was held on Monday April 13th in the Renal
Support Centre, Beaumont.
The following Officers were returned unopposed:
Chairperson:
Colin Mackenzie
Secretary:
Patricia Mackenzie
Board Member:
Colin Mackenzie
One of our members; Brian Carney
has offered to act as Treasurer and has
since been co-opted to fill this post.
Another member Fiona Lavin has also
kindly offered her services in a supportive
role.
It is with great sadness that we
recently lost two of our valued members
since the last edition of this magazine.
TONY HUGHES
We also announce, with great
regret, the loss of Tony Hughes.
Over many years, before most of us
were members of the IKA, Tony
represented Dublin North on the
Board of the IKA and also in the past
Tony Hughes
MARY MOORE
Mary Moore passed away in March
and on behalf of our members we offer
our deepest condolences to Mary’s
husband Jim and the family. Mary and
Jim were busy Organ Donor Awareness
Week supporters and collectors. We will
miss Mary’s presence at our meetings
and her example of quiet determination
to cope with illness. Mary will be greatly
missed by our members and both Jim
and their daughters are in our thoughts
and prayers.
he took on the role of National
Treasurer. Tony held the post of
Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of
Dublin North as the need arose.
Colin and myself greatly miss his
wise council and support and friendship
as our fellow Officer of many years.
We offer our deepest sympathy to
his wife Julie and the family.
All of us are profoundly grateful to
Tony for his years of dedicated service
to his fellow members of the IKA.
ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEK
Our thanks to all members and
supporters who collected during Donor
Week.
SUMMER WISHES
Finally, we wish everyone a very
pleasant and warm Summer Break and
we look forward to seeing you again in
September.
Ann Burke and her team
are once again staging what has
become a much anticipated annual
fundraising event for the IKA.
DATE:
THURSDAY 22nd OCTOBER 2015
VENUE:
MALAHIDE GOLF CLUB
Commencing at 12.30PM
with
a Champagne Reception
followed by
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT followed by FASHION SHOW
Plus RED HURLEY and SISTERS OF SOUND.
TICKETS: €65.
4 Course Lunch
Enquiries to Ann Burke at 087-1352775
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IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION, DONOR HOUSE, BLOCK 43A, PARKWEST, DUBLIN 12.
TELEPHONE: 01-6205306. LO-CALL: 1890-KIDNEY (1890-543639)
E: info@ika.ie • W: www.ika.ie
RENAL SUPPORT CENTRE, BEAUMONT HOSPITAL, DUBLIN 9. T: 01-8373952 E: renalcentre@ika.ie
LOCAL BRANCH SECRETARIES
CARLOW
DUBLIN EAST
+ WICKLOW
Tom Phelan,
Bernie Dwyer,
37 Beechwood Park,
40 Granville Road,
Carlow,
Cabinteely,
Co. Carlow
Co. Dublin
Phone:
Phone:
087-2673605.
086-1673467.
CAVAN/MONAGHAN
KILDARE
LONGFORD
SLIGO
Liam Lally,
2 Maddenstown,
Curragh Camp,
Co. Kildare.
Phone:
087-2249876.
Elaine Heslin,
Augharickard,
Shroid, Longford,
Co. Longford.
Phone:
087-9444515.
Geraldine Jenkins,
96 Doorly Park,
Sligo,
Co. Sligo.
Phone:
086-0873552.
Richard Conlon,
Drumnaveil North,
Station Road,
Cootehill,
Co Cavan
Phone:
087-6478851.
DUBLIN NORTH
KILKENNY
LOUTH/MEATH
TIPPERARY
Patricia Mackenzie,
49 Martello Court,
Portmarnock,
Co. Dublin.
Phone:
01-8462320.
Seamus Carrigan,
Burnchurch Viper,
Kells,
Co. Kilkenny.
Phone:
085-7683179
Mary Traynor,
9 Blackhill Crescent,
Donnacarney
Co. Meath
Phone:
089-4348086.
Orla Hogan-Ryan,
17 Hawthorns,
Nenagh
Co. Tipperary.
Phone:
087-2806068.
CLARE
DUBLIN SOUTH
LAOIS
MAYO
WATERFORD
Michael Mescall,
Lissenair,
Kilmihil,
Co Clare.
Phone
087 2933963.
Peter Pardoe,
57 Monastery Drive,
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.
Phone:
087-2424350.
Angela Lyons,
Cloverfield,
The Swan,
Co. Laois.
Phone:
087-7633438.
Maureen Bourke,
St. Anthony’s,
Carrowcushlaun,
Ballina, Co. Mayo.
Phone:
087-6604133
Susan Cowman,
61 Meadowbrook,
Tramore,
Co. Waterford.
Phone:
087-8546367
CORK
GALWAY
LEITRIM
OFFALY
WESTMEATH
Helen O’Sullivan,
25 Aldworth Heights,
St. Joseph’s Road,
Mallow, Co. Cork.
Phone:
086-2755754.
Eoin Madden,
Carnakelly North,
Athenry
Co. Galway.
Phone:
086-6794008.
Cathriona Charles,
Gortfadda,
Mohill,
Co. Leitrim.
Phone:
087-9768637
Maureen Allen,
St. Mary’s Road,
Edenderry,
Co. Offaly.
Phone:
086-1982024
Cathy Smyth,
31 Churchhills Road,
Coosan, Athlone,
Co. Westmeath.
Phone:
086-8049487
DONEGAL
KERRY
LIMERICK
ROSCOMMON
Sharon Gallagher,
Pillar Park,
Buncrana,
Co. Donegal.
Phone
086-3459112.
Teresa Looney,
Inch, Kilcummin,
Killarney,
Co. Kerry.
Phone:
087-2059205.
Mary Downes,
6 The Gardens,
New Rd., Pennywell
Co. Limerick
Phone:
087-9612-133
Maura Quigley,
Creevy,
Roscommon,
Co. Roscommon.
Phone:
086-8969670.
WEXFORD
Dora Kent,
Newtown,
Ramsgrange,
New Ross,
Co. Wexford.
Phone:
086-3745788.