Support St. Vincent's Liver Transplant Patients
Donation protected
Hi! That’s me in the picture, in the Summer of 2019, six days after my lifesaving Liver Transplant. I’ve set up this GoFundMe page because I want to raise awareness about the gift of Organ Donation, and also to raise some money for Ireland’s only Liver Transplant Center: The National Liver Transplant Programme of St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin.
My Liver Transplant Journey
My transplant journey began in September 2018 when I developed a sudden, unexpected deterioration in my liver function. As the weeks and months went by, my symptoms became progressively worse. I was transformed from someone who was juggling a full-time job and a household with two fabulous ‘smallies’ … to someone who by Christmas was desperately weak and frail. My liver was broken, my spirit waning but nurtured by the support of my family, my friends, my workplace, and my medical team, I 'hung on'. And in the Summer of 2019 I received my life saving Liver Transplant.
The Surgery
I am not sure anything can prepare you for the initial days after a transplant. Obviously, there was the physical challenge involved with the surgery: the huge wound, the imposing wound drains and the severe pain. But perhaps more difficult to manage was the emotional strain: my feeling of devastation for my Donor and their family. People who in their darkest hour consented to organ donation and gave me life. Mixed with this, the joy and the relief of having survived the surgery. Altogether, it was overwhelming. Essential to coping with it all, was having my 'someone', my husband, with me … to cheer my little victories, to ease my fears when things weren’t going to plan, to encourage my hope, to wipe my tears – to simply hold my hand.
The Financial Costs
I was in hospital for 12 days and nights after my transplant. My husband was in Dublin for 12 days and nights to support me. The costs are significant when St. Vincent’s Hospital is geographically so far from the homes of so many transplant patients.
The Mission – A Hardship Fund
So, I would like to raise funds, which will be used to support the families of liver transplant patients. The monies raised will be used to purchase vouchers, each to the value of €100. A voucher would be given by the Transplant Coordinators, to each transplant patient’s 'someone'. This voucher would ease their financial burden while they support the transplant patient during the critical initial phases following surgery. The more money raised, the more families could be supported.
How can you help?
As we come closer to Christmas, perhaps you would consider giving your special ‘someones’, the gift of a Charity Donation this year. No matter how small or big, please, don’t wait … click on the link below and donate.
Please consider picking up an Organ Donor Card and chat with your special ‘someone’ about Organ Donation. Thank you so much.
My Liver Transplant Journey
My transplant journey began in September 2018 when I developed a sudden, unexpected deterioration in my liver function. As the weeks and months went by, my symptoms became progressively worse. I was transformed from someone who was juggling a full-time job and a household with two fabulous ‘smallies’ … to someone who by Christmas was desperately weak and frail. My liver was broken, my spirit waning but nurtured by the support of my family, my friends, my workplace, and my medical team, I 'hung on'. And in the Summer of 2019 I received my life saving Liver Transplant.
The Surgery
I am not sure anything can prepare you for the initial days after a transplant. Obviously, there was the physical challenge involved with the surgery: the huge wound, the imposing wound drains and the severe pain. But perhaps more difficult to manage was the emotional strain: my feeling of devastation for my Donor and their family. People who in their darkest hour consented to organ donation and gave me life. Mixed with this, the joy and the relief of having survived the surgery. Altogether, it was overwhelming. Essential to coping with it all, was having my 'someone', my husband, with me … to cheer my little victories, to ease my fears when things weren’t going to plan, to encourage my hope, to wipe my tears – to simply hold my hand.
The Financial Costs
I was in hospital for 12 days and nights after my transplant. My husband was in Dublin for 12 days and nights to support me. The costs are significant when St. Vincent’s Hospital is geographically so far from the homes of so many transplant patients.
The Mission – A Hardship Fund
So, I would like to raise funds, which will be used to support the families of liver transplant patients. The monies raised will be used to purchase vouchers, each to the value of €100. A voucher would be given by the Transplant Coordinators, to each transplant patient’s 'someone'. This voucher would ease their financial burden while they support the transplant patient during the critical initial phases following surgery. The more money raised, the more families could be supported.
How can you help?
As we come closer to Christmas, perhaps you would consider giving your special ‘someones’, the gift of a Charity Donation this year. No matter how small or big, please, don’t wait … click on the link below and donate.
Please consider picking up an Organ Donor Card and chat with your special ‘someone’ about Organ Donation. Thank you so much.
Organizer
Caoimhe Harrington
Organizer