Transplant saved me but I had to watch sis die
A CySTIC fibrosis patient who received a life-saving lung transplant has told of the agony of watching her sister die of the same condition because a donor could not be found.
Nicki Williams, 29, held Michelle’s hand as she took her last breath, 10 months after joining the transplant list. She died from the genetic condition, aged 30, just months before her wedding.
Nicki said: “I feel so much guilt that Michelle isn’t here and I am. getting a transplant changed my life.
“I just always assumed that Michelle would get her chance, too.
“If there were more organs, maybe they could have found a donor in time.”
Michelle was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a tot. When Nicki was born three years later, she had a 50 per cent chance of having it.
Parents Hazel and george were devastated when doctors confirmed their worst fears.
Nicki, of Kettering, Northamptonshire, got her transplant in 2015 when her condition had deteriorated so much that she had no real quality of life.
Her health improved immediately. but Michelle’s condition worsened and her name was added to the transplant list.
On March 5 last year, a pair of lungs became available but they were not viable. Tragically, Michelle died 11 days later.
Nicki said: “I’m forever grateful for my transplant. but I have so much guilt that it was me and not Michelle, too. I’ve struggled a lot with that. I’m speaking out to encourage people to talk about organ donation.
“If her story makes just a few people sign up [to the donor register], that could mean a few people will be saved. The opt-out system (which MPs voted in favour of in February) would make so many more organs available and help people before time runs out.”