Jackie supports IKA campaign

WHEN Jackie and Maura Callan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last September, they asked family, friends and neighbours to donate money to the Irish Kidney Association rather than giving gifts.

The Balriggan couple were delighted with the turnout at their party in the Lisdoo as it meant they were able to present the Irish Kidney Association with a cheque for €6,200.

Jackie, who was diagnosed with kidney disease aged 69 years in May 2013, supports the Irish Kidney Association’s campaign to encourage organ donation.

Although he is not himself suitable for a transplant, Jackie says he knowns many younger people on dialysis who are waiting for a kidney to become available.

The well known retired painter and decorator, was rushed to hospital after falling ill almost four years ago.

‘He started haemorrhaging suddenly and was very, very ill,’ recalls his wife Maura. ‘ He was taken by ambulance to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and transferred to Beaumont where he was diagnosed with kidney failure.’

It was a very worrying time for the couple, who have three sons and four grandsons but they are grateful for the expert care which Jackie received in hospital.

‘ The Irish Kidney Association has provided a Renal Support Centre on the grounds of the hospital. It’s a communal house with 13 double bedrooms, kitchen, lounge/sitting room, library, sun room and patio area where family members and patients can stay,’ says Maura. ‘It was great being able to stay there so we decided to raise money for the Irish Kidney Association.’

Jackie now has to have dialysis three days a week and is extremely thankful to be able to get this life saving treatment at the Beacon unit in Drogheda, rather than having to travel to Dublin.

‘ The unit is open three years now and the nurses are wonderful,’ he says. ‘For a patient of my age, it’s all about managing what you do, sticking to the regulation diet and watching your fluid intake,’ he explains.

‘Being on dialysis and following the restrictive diet does change your life big time and makes it very difficult to go on holiday, he continues. ‘You can’t go out and have a drink the way you used to, not saying that is the be all and 3end all, but it does curtail you to a big extent.’

While he adjusted to this new way of living, he feels sorry for younger people whose lives have been put on hold while they are waiting for a transplant.

‘ There are lots of people younger than me waiting for a kidney to become available and some of them ar waiting four or five years so it is important for people to carry an organ donor card.’

Jackie and Maura are grateful to all those who attended their golden wedding anniversary party and donated to the Irish Kidney Association.