Bridanns IKA Cause - Dublin City Marathon 2019

On October 27th, I will be taking part in the Dublin City Marathon. A challenge like this is quite significant, one I would have questioned someones mindset for partaking in up to recently. However and with the helpful persuasion of my cousin whos also running DCM 2019 (Cheers John Flem!), I managed to grab a place in the late entrants ballot in July. No choice then but to get on with it, get running and preparation is well underway with 6 weeks to go.

Fundamentally, the untimely passing of my sister Brídann Halpin-Keane in September 2018 will be the main incentive for participating in this years marathon. 

Brídann had chronic kidney disease (CKD) and was a dialysis patient for a number of years. In January 2018, she was offered and registered on the organ donation waiting list in anticipation to receive a double kidney and pancreas transplant. 

The selfless work the Irish Kidney Association and Organ Donation Ireland cannot be underestimated. I know  Brídann couldn't fault the care and assistance she received. The encouragement, support and advice. Helping to live a normal day to day life - helping to deal with the unknown.  As life for an organ donation patient is all about the unknown, what the next day will bring. 

This GoFundMe is to promote awareness of organ donation and raising some much needed funds for the Irish Kidney Association.

https://ika.ie/about/

Brídann advocated the best she could on social media in promoting the work of the IKA and other organ donation charities. There simple slogan with the ultimate meaning is "Give the Gift of Life".  

Finally, on behalf of the Halpin-Keane family we would like to wholeheartly offer our gratitude for the donations received at the time of Brídanns funeral last year. I know she was proud. The proceeds were gratefully received for Brídann causes.

Thanks for reading and your generosity.
John (JC)