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2 I K A S U P P O R T A U T U M N 2 0 1 7

Since the last SUPPORT magazine there has been apublic Consultation Process conducted by theDepartment of Health on the Proposed HumanTissue Act. This is the third Consultation Process on

the subject and Minister Harris was quick off the mark toestablish the current process. To our great disappointmentthe process evolved as a ‘survey’ only and had very limitedquestions. We sent a Submission, which I enclose in itsentirety in this edition of SUPPORT.

Many of you do not understand the IKA’s position onthe subject and I recognise that it is not a simple topic toexplain. However, may I recommend you read theSubmission. I am more than willing to respond to anycritical observations or, indeed, answer any concernedreader’s questions.

Too many people view ‘presumed consent’ as a vote forincreased organ donation and are not prepared toinvestigate the subject. As I have said consistently, manytimes, “If we thought that moving to a ‘presumedconsent/soft-opt out’ system would improve organdonation rates by one, we would favour the change.

As I have now included our Submission I have held backthe supplement on our team’s success at the WorldTransplant Games in Malaga, during the Summer.However, I promise to include it in the Winter edition.

I would like to welcome the Association’s newChairman, John Whelan, from Bray, Co. Wicklow, whotook up office following the Association’s AGM in July.John, a kidney transplant recipient, is profiled inside thisSUPPORT.

I had the pleasure of attending an Information Evening,hosted by B. Braun in Wexford, on the progress of thenew, long-awaited haemodialysis unit for Wexford. Itseems like 10 years since it was first proposed.

FRONT COVER

Kieran Murray iswelcomed home byhis wife Olivia and

children Sophie,Grace and Chloe at

Dublin Airportfollowing the

successful WorldTransplant Gamesin Malaga, Spain.

There will be moreon the Games inthe next issue of

SUPPORT.

Contents...2 EDITORIAL

4 FIT FOR LIFE

5 NEW NATIONAL HONORARY CHAIRMAN

6 EUROPEAN DATA ON ORGAN DONATION& TRANSPLANTATION

10 WORLD TRANSPLANT WINTER GAMES

12 A HELPING HAND

14 SUBMISSION TO THE PUBLICCONSULTATION PROCESS

21 SOCIAL MEDIA & COMMUNICATION

I K A S U P P O R T A U T U M N 2 0 1 7 3

22 SURVEY ON PUBLIC ATTITUDE TO ORGAN DONATION

24 BACK TO SCHOOL OR WORK

26 SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE & THANKSGIVING

32 GLOBAL ORGAN DONORCOMMEMORATIVE EVENT

33 IKA MEMBERSHIP FORM

34 AROUND THE BRANCHES

59 BRANCH SECRETARIES

60 IKA CHRISTMAS CARDS

Early in the New Year the facility will be open fortreatments. If the artist's impression translates, asproposed, it will be a state-of-the-art facility and Ianticipate congratulations all round. The packedmeeting room enjoyed light refreshmentsfollowing very informative and comprehensivepresentations.

The annual Service of Remembrance andThanksgiving took place again in Dublin’s biggestChurch ‘Corpus Christi’ on Saturday 4th October.The Church was full to capacity and many thanksand well done to all concerned in this, the mostimportant event in the IKA’s calendar. A full reportis also included inside this SUPPORT.

I want to thank Renal Nurse Deirdre Crowe andher husband Ned, known by many for hisparticipation at various transplant games, forhosting the IKA’s second haemodialysis holidayadventure week in Mallorca, Spain, early inOctober. By all accounts all eighteen holidaymakershad a wonderful week and we look forward to areport in the next SUPPORT.

Thanks also to Diaverum Dialysis for their co-operation in simultaneously dialysing the nine Irishholiday dialysis patients.

It was a culture shock but very much a pleasureto participate in the IKA’s stand at the NationalPloughing Championships in Tullamore inSeptember. Lucky for me I was not present on thewet Wednesday, instead that pleasure went toJohn and Una Whelan!

While there we conducted a survey of thepublic, results included inside, and met manypatients, nurses, doctors and organ donors. Weforesee this awareness project becoming an annualpart of the IKA’s calendar.

May I draw your attention to our Christmascards, which are already in high demand and Iextend thanks to so many of you for generouslygiving your time to support the work of theAssociation.

MARK MURPHY

Artist’s Impression of the new Wexford Haemodialysis Centre

IKA at The Ploughing Championships

PART-TIME BOOKKEEPERHead Office in Park West is seeking expressions of

interest by individuals in employment as aBookkeeper based at Donor House for

a 12 month period.Please send your C.V. with your relevant

experience to theChief Executive, at Donor House.

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NEW NATIONAL HONORARY CHAIRMAN

The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) is delighted to announcethe appointment of John Whelan, SC, as its new NationalHonorary Chairman. The outgoing Chairman, ValerieBrady completed her two-year term of office and hasbeen elected as National Honorary Secretary, a rolepreviously held by John.

John, who underwent a kidney transplant in 2008, has been amember of the IKA since 2006 when he and his wife Una joinedtheir local Dublin East + Wicklow branch following his diagnosis ofend-stage renal failure and his commencement in 2006 of dialysistreatment. They became actively involved in the local branch, andJohn was elected branch Chairman in 2010, having been elected tothe National Board in the previous year, after undergoing hisdeceased donor kidney transplant.

He is a barrister and Senior Counsel by profession, and althoughnow retired, still engages in the occasional practice of law. Over thepast few years he served as legal adviser to the Board of Self Help

Africa and assisted in its merger process with Gorta.In welcoming his appointment as Chairman of the Association, he said, “I am gratified and

humbled to have been elected to lead the IKA over the next two years. I believe the Association hasa vital role to play, in conjunction with the medical profession, in promoting the overall welfare ofthose suffering from renal failure.

My focus will be primarily the well-being of the patient, and my aim will be to help theAssociation to grow and to progress its essential work in the care and support of renal patients

In taking up my new post, I would like to especially acknowledge and thank the outgoingchairperson, Valerie Brady, for her work and dedication over the past two years.”

John asserted, “The whole question of consent to organ donation has been a live issue over thepast number of years and there have been varying viewpoints on how to promote and advance thelevel of donation. I believe that the key to progress in this regard is not through legislation butthrough developing the infrastructure and the training and placing of more organ donorcoordinators in hospital intensive care units. Such programmes have been shown to significantlygrow the rate of organ donation in other countries.

A significant step in that direction has been the development of the HSE’s Organ Donation andTransplant Ireland (ODTI) under the expert guidance of Professor Jim Egan, a move which is greatlywelcomed. I welcome the public consultation process in relation to legislation around consent fororgan donation as announced by Minister for Health Simon Harris recently.”

John, a native of Wexford, grew up in Blackrock, Co. Dublin and has been residing in Bray,Co Wicklow with his wife Una for 39 years.


IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION APPOINTS

John Whelan

21.416.3

21.3

19.8

24.8

16.7

15.2

21.8

14.310.431.0

14.7

17.5

25.213.3

18.5

20.4

25.027.9 13.3

43.532.6

23.0

24.4

6.3

5.5

40.0

4.7

DECEASED ORGANDONORS 2016

PER MILLION OF POPULATION3.4

23.4

5.2

7.1

4.7

EUROPEAN DATA ON...


Ireland’s PMP deceasedorgan donor rates byits extensive use ofdonors by cardiacdeath (DCD’s). In 2016they had 603 DCDdonors versus just 3 inIreland.

I highlight thiselsewhere in oursubmission to theDepartment of Health.

ByMARK

MURPHY

EUROPEAN DECEASED ORGAN DONORS 2016PER MILLION OF POPULATION

ORGAN DONATION TRANSPLANTATION

21st Ireland

Ireland is now one of the few Europeancountries that don’t have Specialist Nursesfor Organ Donation (SNOD) working insideour intensive care facilities. Despite thehuge efforts of the staff in our newprocurement service, Ireland is slippingdown the rankings across Europe. However,we are in 10th place when you study thedeceased organ donors per deaths ratherthan per million of population (PMP).

Ireland has the youngest population inEurope and subsequently we have a muchlower death rate than others. This factshows up the bias in the use of PMP as thecomparative figure in ranking each country.However, PMP is the recognised way wecompare ourselves with others.

The top-10 countries for deceased organdonors are the same as last year, maybeswopping place by one or two positions.

3.2

1.4

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 88 81 90 58 93 78 86 63 81 77

1

5

10

15

20

25

30

IRELAND’S RANK IN EUROPE FOR ORGAN DONATION (PMP)

Donors

DECEASED ORGAN DONORSPER DEATH – 2016

2016 2016 DeathsDeaths Deceased per

RankCountries Eurostat Donors Donor1 Spain 406800 2019 2012 Iceland 2300 9 2563 Belgium 108100 351 3084 Croatia 51500 166 3105 France 587100 1859 3166 Portugal 110500 337 3287 Malta 3300 10 3308 Norway 40700 111 3679 Austria 80700 217 37210 IRELAND 30400 77 39511 Finland 53900 136 39612 Czech Rep. 107800 266 40513 Italy 615300 1478 41614 UK 597200 1401 42615 Sweden 91000 195 46716 Slovenia 19700 42 46917 Denmark 52800 100 52818 Switzerland 65000 111 58619 Netherlands 149000 250 59620 Lithuania 411000 63 65221 Hungary 127100 182 69822 Estonia 15400 22 70023 Poland 388000 542 71624 Slovakia 52400 72 72825 Turkey 422100 562 75126 Latvia 28600 30 95327 Germany 920000 857 107428 Luxembourg 4000 3 133329 Cyprus 5500 4 137530 Romania 256500 124 206931 Greece 118800 51 232932 Bulgaria 107600 39 275933 Bosnia & Herz 35500 5 7100Totals 5722600 12413 (avg) 461

The UK, in recent years, hasconsistently out-performed

The European Directorate for theQuality of Medicines and Healthcare(EDQM) of the Council of Europe haspublished its 2016 Newsletter on the

international figures on organ donationand transplantation for 2016.

27.1

LIVING AND DECEASED DONOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANTSDespite our high living kidney transplant ranking,when they are combined with the deceasedtransplant data we are only in 19th place, up two inthe year.

The UK is in 14th place. As far as I’m concernedthis is proof of the success of their Task ForceStrategy of 2008. (See the Submission to the PublicConsulatation Process elsewhere in the magazine).


We are very grateful to the deceased donors andtheir families, for without them – where would we

be? I apologise to all donor families if they areoffended by this mere statistical analysis. It is

only conducted to stimulate examination of howwe could be doing things better, with our limited

resources, and, purely, for this reason alone.

EUROPEAN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION FROM DECEASED DONORS 2016

PER MILLION OF POPULATION

LIVING DONOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANTSOur record 50 living donor kidney transplants in 2016 hasprojected us into Europe’s top-10. We are higher thanNorway and Austria, countries I have much admired in thepast for their living kidney transplantation.

EUROPEAN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION FROM LIVING DONORS 2016PER MILLION OF POPULATION

ALL EUROPEAN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION 2016PER MILLION OF POPULATION

20th Ireland10th Ireland

19th Ireland

DECEASED DONOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANTSIreland’s 20th place is an improvement on last year’srank by three positions. The top dozen countries arein similar positions. The biggest significant moverwas Italy, improving up six places to 15th.

DECEASED

LIVING

EUROPEAN DATA ON...

ORGAN DONATION TRANSPLANTATION

EUROPEAN LIVER TRANSPLANTATION 2016PER MILLION OF POPULATION

EUROPEAN HEART TRANSPLANTATION 2016PER MILLION OF POPULATION

HEART TRANSPLANTATIONIreland consistently

is around 20th place. and are21st this time as a result of

15 transplants. Slovenia,always first, with just over

2 million people, had 31 hearttransplants. Norway’s numbers

collapsed in 2016. Nearly alwaysin the top-6 they are now in

17th place.

EUROPEAN PANCREAS TRANSPLANTATION 2016PER MILLION OF POPULATION

PANCREAS TRANSPLANTATION19 EU countries are

transplanting pancreas andwe will rejoin this chart nextyear, be it at the lower end.

Finland, a country with a lowrate of diabetes, were 14th place

in 2012 and now enjoy the top spot,replacing Norway who headed the

chart for a 5 year period.

EUROPEAN LUNG TRANSPLANTATION 2016PER MILLION OF POPULATION

LUNG TRANSPLANTATIONIreland’s lung transplant rate

is exceptional. We are 3rdagain in Europe, topped by twocountries, Austria and Belgium,which both transplant lungs formany other countries. Nowhereelse in these data reports do we

enjoy a ranking above Spain.

15th Ireland

21st Ireland


3rd Ireland

LIVER TRANSPLANTATIONIreland is in 15th place

for the second yearrunning. Croatia and

Portugal have double ourPMP rate and, like ourselves,

they do not consider usingliving kidney donors but 17 of

the 31 countries now do so.


ALL DECEASED AND LIVING DONOR TRANSPLANTSIreland’s 17th place is also our average over the last5 years. The top-13 countries are very consistentand have only altered by one position since last year.We are the 14th place EU country, halfway. Germanyis the biggest country to have the poorest position,23rd overall. Greece is the last place EU country(Luxembourg’s transplants take place out of thecountry, and only feature on the deceased organdonor chart).

ALL EUROPEAN DECEASED ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION 2016PER MILLION OF POPULATION

ALL EUROPEAN DECEASED & LIVING ORGANTRANSPLANTATION 2016PER MILLION OF POPULATION

ALL EUROPEAN LIVING ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION 2016PER MILLION OF POPULATION

ALL DECEASED ORGAN TRANSPLANTSAlthough we are in 20th place for deceased organ

donation we are in 17th place for transplantationfrom deceased organ donors, showing that we areutilising the available organs better than othercountries. It is worth noting that we are threepositions ahead of the Netherlands in this chart.

ALL LIVING ORGAN TRANSPLANTSWe enjoy a 10th position on this chart despite noliving liver transplantation, a jump of seven placesfrom 17th position in 2015. Netherlands, in 2nd place,is the top EU country for living transplants. Sloveniajoining this chart means that all EU 28 countries nowutilise living donors.

17th Ireland

10th Ireland

17th Ireland

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For more information contact: COLIN at 01-6205306 or email: [email protected]

At the recent International Society for Organ Donation andProcurement (ISODP) Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, there wasa very interesting Poster Design Competition on Organ Donation.

Successful designers and artists from all over the world showedthe importance of organ donation with the artistic works theyprepared and submitted. The competition was the first in the worldwith this theme.

A catalogue of the work which was created after the competitionwas distributed to thousands of foreign participants of theConference.

The competition was organised by the International TransplantNetwork (ITN) Project co-ordinated by the Turkish TransplantFoundation.

The feedback from the competition has shown that similarprojects should be continued in order to “increase public awareneson organ donation since it it a global issue.

Here we showcase some of the outstanding poster work.

I K A S U P P O R T A U T U M N 2 0 1 7 1 1

© German JIMENEZ © Murat AKKAN © Mustafa IPEK © Anil YANIK

© Aytaç ÖZMUTLU © Nabil MENDJELI © Seyed Mahdi ASGARI © iIhami DIKSOY

© Elnur BABAYEV

POSTER DESIGNCOMPETITION

Does the name Matthew Reesmean anything to you? No?If I said London Marathonwould that jog (no punintended!) your memory?

Matthew Rees provided one of thedefining images of the 2017 LondonMarathon. Why? Because, a fewhundred metres from the finishing linehe stopped to help a fellow runnerwho was literally 'out on his feet'. Hewas applauded for his humanity instopping to help someone in need. Inan interview after the marathon hesaid “I just helped a guy out when hewas in need. Anyone would havedone the same thing.”

The annual IKA Service ofRemembrance and Thanksgivingbrings to mind those individuals andfamilies – who echo Matthew Rees’generosity of spirit – who donate theirloved one’s organs. Matthew Rees hadthe finishing line in sight. He wasnearly there after a gruelling twenty

six miles of running. His co-runnerwas on the verge of collapse.Matthew stopped to help him andthey crossed the finishing linetogether.

Though tired Matthew made thedecision to stop and help. A similarcase exists for those individuals andfamilies who decide to donate theirloved one's organs. However there isone key difference – they 'stop andhelp' in the midst of searing pain andloss.

What are individuals or familiesasked to do? Put simply they areasked to consent or reject to theirloved one becoming an organ donor.

Sounds straightforward doesn't it?Yet if we think a little more about it,individuals and families are beingasked to answer this question in themidst of having to accept the death(sometimes violent) of a loved one,and the shock and disbelief thataccompanies it, in other words, when

1 2 I K A S U P P O R T A U T U M N 2 0 1 7

A Helping Hand“I just helped aguy out whenhe was in need.Anyone wouldhave done thesame thing.”

they are emotionally distraught and inturmoil. To say 'yes' to organ donationmeans the individual or family have toaccept immediately that their loved onehas died.

In his book the actor Mike Farrellrecalls a TV interview in which one of theinterviewees said the following; “when ingrief one shouldn't make big decisions ortake definitive actions. We need to taketime to grieve, an important part of thehealing process, before we could knowwhat the next step should be.” Yetindividuals and families are asked tomake “the big decision” – consent totheir loved one becoming an organdonor – immediately, right then andthere, in that present moment. And theydo it, they take that extra step, to helpanother in need, someone they don'tknow or will ever know.

At this year's Service we rememberand give thanks to those organ donor

families who made a decision, in themidst of pain, hurt and loss, to 'stop andhelp' another who is in need. Theirgenerosity of spirit permitted them tomake the monumental decision thatultimately changed and transformed thelives of a number of other people. Theyecho the sentiments of Matthew Rees;“anyone would have done the samething.”

(Quotation taken from; Farrell, M (2007)'Just Call Me Mike -A Journey to Actorand Activist'. RDVBooks, New York, p.354).

By MIKE KELLY

My thanks to the Kildare branch for inviting meto speak at one of their branch

meetings in July.

Also thanks to the Cork branchfor their invitation earlier

in October.

Sigmund Freud

SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE IKAYes, I would like to make a regular donation by

STANDING ORDER.

Please post to: THE IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION CLG, DONOR HOUSE, BLOCK 43A, PARKWEST, FREEPOST, DUBLIN, D12 P5V6(PLEASE DO NOT POST TO YOUR BANK)

CharityRegistration

No. 20011260

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

STANDING ORDER REQUEST FORMTo: 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:

IBAN: Bank Identifier Code - BIC:(These can be found, printed on your bank statement)

My regular Monthly Quarterly Yearly DONATION of Amount €

(Please tick as appropriate) 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 givethe Irish Kidney Association CLG 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.

�

The Irish Kidney Association provides a FREE and confidential counselling servicefor those on treatment, their families and carers, either through their counsellor,based at Donor House, or through a nationally registered, locally-based counsellornetwork.

If, as a person on treatment, family member or carer, you feel it would be ofbenefit to you to speak to a counsellor or if you would like a referral to a counsellorin your local area please contact Mike at Donor House.


In all this time the principle of ‘InformedConsent’ has applied and, for the last 10years, there has been a public debateabout the possibility of changing oursystem of consent to one of ‘Soft Opt-out’or ‘Presumed Consent’.

We recognise that this debate hashelped increase awareness of organdonation as there has been significantpublic interest in the discussion ‘for andagainst’ such a change. In recent times wehave observed the changes in Wales andFrance. The debate is topical as it highlightsthe plight of those awaiting organ

donation and their frustration and fear ofdying before an organ becomes availableto them.

It is accepted by everyone concernedthat there is a shortage of organs fortransplantation and something real needsto be done. In determining where changescan make a difference one needs tounderstand the system as it currentlyoperates. We thus have two strands toexamine; the public’s interaction withorgan donation and the health system’sinteraction with organ donation andtransplantation.

Submission to the Public Consultation Process

ORGAN DONATION & TRANSPLANT IRELANDc/o IKA, Donor House, Parkwest, Dublin D12 P5V6

Tel: 01 - 620 5306

The IrishKidney

Association’sposition onConsent for

OrganDonation

October 2017

BACKGROUNDThe Irish Kidney Association (IKA) isthe patients’ organisation that producethe organ donor cards and distributesthem countrywide. Initially in 1978,some 39 years ago, the organisationformed to initiate the first ever Irishkidney donor card. As transplantationevolved to include heart, lung, liverand pancreas transplantation, thedonor card equally evolved into theorgan donor card we know today.


The Government wants tochange the law on consent fororgan donation to a ‘soft opt-out’ system (also commonlycalled ‘presumed consent’).Essentially, such a ‘change’ in thelaw would see no change inpractice. During previous publicand private consultations on thetopic, the medical professionalsdirectly involved with consent fororgan donation were unanimousthat the next-of-kin must beconsulted in the organ donationconsent process and that such a‘change’ in the law would notsee a change in their practices.

The 2013 Department ofHealth Public Consultationdocument on the ‘Introduction ofan Opt-Out System of Consentfor Organ Donation’ gives thefollowing description of what‘Opt-Out’ will mean in practice.

If a person does not wish tobecome an organ donor afterdeath, they will need toregister a formal objectionduring their lifetime – aprocess known as opting out.If, on the other hand, a personwishes to become an organdonor after death, they do notneed to take any actionduring their lifetime.

The deceased’s family ornext-of-kin will still have animportant role to play in theprocess of organ donation.While the next-of-kin will notbe required to give theirconsent to the donation itself,they will be consulted andasked to provide as muchinformation as possible on theperson’s medical and socialhistory. As stated earlier, it isintended that, in practice,there will be no instancewhereby organ donationwould proceed against thewishes of the next-of-kin ofthe deceased.

Currently, the public is encouraged toget an organ donor card, the purposeof which is to initiate a familydiscussion about organ donation sothat everyone knows each other’swishes – hence the space for thesignature of the next-of-kin. It is not alegal document and its presence doesnot guarantee that organs will beretrieved in the event of the holderbeing identified as a potential donor –but the card is a reminder to the familythat the potential donor had made aconscious decision about organdonation and final consent is left withthe family.

When a potential organ donor isidentified the family is approached andasked for consent for organ retrievalfor the purposes of transplantation. Ifthey give consent then organs areretrieved, if they do not then retrievaldoes not take place.

The IKA regularly fields mediainterviews, phone calls, emails andsocial media enquiries, as well asquestions at public awareness talks, inrelation to how organ donation works.There is a common misconception thatan organ donor card must be presentfor organ donation to be considered.This is not the case. The donor card isthere as a prompt for the familyconversation and as a reminder of thecommitment made. A family canconsent to organ donation even if adonor card is not present.

Looking at the above explanation ofwhat an ‘opt-out’ system will mean inpractice, the only ‘call to action’ for thepublic appears to be highlighting theopportunity to register a formalobjection to organ donation. Thedocument indicates a passive role forthose in favour of organ donation;“...a person wishes to become anorgan donor after death, they do notneed to take any action during theirlifetime.” This would mean that theorgan donor card would becomeobsolete and thereby remove a prompt

to encourage family discussion on thetopic and the reminder, the card,would be absent.

So why create a consent law thathas already been rejected by thoseworking in intensive care units. Anargument that changing to a ‘soft opt-out’ position, would help the public torealise that organ donation should bethe norm, is confusing to the IKA.Having a ‘Law’ which involves sayingone thing, and the ‘practice’ beinganother thing altogether, would causeconfusion. ‘Soft opt-out’, in practice,will still be informed consent.

The 2013 document also states “...it is intended that, in practice, there will be no instance wherebyorgan donation would proceedagainst the wishes of the next-of-kinof the deceased.” In other words, therole of the family discussion would stillbe key in the process. In the recentOrgan Donor Awareness Week in theUK the authorities highlighted the highrate of family refusal and the need toencourage family discussion to removeuncertainty from the process.

This proposed change now becomesa relabelling or rebranding of consent,but the product and process willremain the same. Be assured that if theIKA thought that creating this newconsent law would increase organdonation rates, we would support theproposal. Similar laws exist throughoutthe EU and beyond. However, thepractice in all EU countries is thatconsent for organ donation is soughtfrom the next-of-kin, and refusal toconsent is permitted and observed.What is very different in the countriesthat have a ‘high rate’ of organdonation is the infrastructure andsupport services in their health servicefor the organ donating process.We have a long way to go to improveour infrastructure and process that willenable us to maximise our organdonationcapabilities.

THE PUBLIC’S INTERACTION WITH ORGAN DONATION

SUBMISSION TO THE

PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS

The IKA has always been a strong advocate for theintroduction of an Organ Donor Registry – a centraldatabase that records people’s wishes in relation toorgan donation which is consulted every time by therelevant hospital staff before a family is approached todiscuss the possibility of organ donation. Such aRegistry would ensure that people have theopportunity to have their informed consent, orotherwise, properly recorded and available at therequired time.

In developing a Register that only records formalobjections to organ donation, as is proposed, anopportunity is missed. Take a step further andintroduce a Yes / No Register. In this way, publicity canbe very constructive with a strong call to action for thepublic – record your wishes about organ donation.Technology already exists that would allow such aregistration process to send a message to thenominated next-of-kin and would thus act as a promptfor the all-important family discussion about organdonation.

If a person had recorded their wishes to be an organdonor, on such a Register, the personnel making thefamily approach about organ donation can thenadvocate for the deceased. The IKA regularly fieldsqueries from the public about why there is no centraldatabase where they can record their wishes so thatthey can remove any uncertainty from their next-of-kinat a time of great emotional upheaval.

The consent of the public is a small aspect of thisprocess. However, the IKA do believe that, after almost40 years of listening to the public’s views, thelimitations of the organ donor card need to beunderstood and the introduction of an Organ DonorRegistry will bring us up-to-date internationally and

satisfy the public’s request for clarity and certainty inorgan donation. It will also prove to be a valuable toolfor those involved in the health services seekingconsent for organ donation. They, alone, will be ableto access the registry database and inform the next-of-kin of the ‘deceased’s’ directive in the organdonor Registry.

The HSE has sought the views of the public on theimplementation of a national consent policy. It seemslogical to include consent for organ donation in thediscussion. What is clear in the discussion document isthat in capturing the consent of the public it isimportant that it is informed consent – every individualshould understand what they are consenting to andthis consent should be properly recorded.

This Registry will give a new added direction for thepublic to secure their wish, for their next-of-kin tofollow. The organ donor awareness campaigns will beregenerated with the modernisation of the toolsavailable to the public and every opportunity for thefamily discussion to continue will be offered by theRegistry’s design. The Department of Transport alreadyhas a huge database of over 40% of drivers’ licenceholders agreeing to organ donation. There is nowhereto put data to use in the health service. Legislationwould be required or the question on the licenceapplication form would require amendment to makethe data available for a Registry.

When the public is properly informed about organdonation there is overwhelming support for it. Aproperly funded education programme and a properlystructured Organ Donor Registry would ensure that thepublic are in a position to give their informed consentand that this consent is properly recorded so that it canbe acted upon.


Deceased Organ and Tissue Donation Register (Proposal)

ADVANCE CARE DIRECTIVEIf I die in the circumstances that organ and tissue donation can be considered (�Tick one box only)

I consent to, and authorise, the retrieval of all my useful organs and tissue to help others.

I consent to the retrieval of all my useful organs and tissue to help others, provided thatauthorisation is sought from my next-of-kin.

I consent to my next-of-kin deciding whether the retrieval of my organs and tissue should occur.

I do not consent to my organs and tissues being retrieved.

SUBMISSION TO THE



WALESThe Welsh Assembly voted in 2014 tochange the consent system in Wales to an‘opt-out’, presumed consent model.

I enclose the latest Welsh organ donation andtransplantation activity data to explain the results of thechange. The UK financial year works from April toMarch. The change occurred in December 2015 so wehave 2 years data to compare. The NHS in Wales spent4 million sterling, over a 2 year period, to promote thenew consent system.

At best you could interpret that there is nodifference to the data in Wales since the change.Altering the consent system did not achieve anythingsignificant. 38% of the population have said ‘yes’ toorgan donation in the Organ Donor Register, up 4%before the change. However, 6% of the population,

WALES

ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION ACTIVITY DATA: WALESAnnual data for financial years 2012/13 to 2016/17 Blood and Transplant

175,000 people, registered to ‘opt-out’, or say ‘no’, toorgan donation since the change. Organ donationrates are almost the same as before the change whichwas 60, then in the first year of the change they had64, and subsequently 61 deceased donors last year.The rates of deceased donor transplants vary everyyear but 135 transplants is the latest year’s resultsdown from a high the previous year, 168 transplants,but this could be explained by other factors.

There is an NHSBT survey that highlight what theWelsh public are now confused about – the new lawwith 40% believing that they can still decide on theirrelative’s donation.

So, in summary, the Welsh experience to-datewould not be an encouragement for anyone to createtheir kind of laws on consent.

SUBMISSION TO THE

PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESSD

ate pu

blish

ed: 9 A

pril 2017

Table 13.1 Summary of key percentages, 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017

DBD DCD ALL Neurological death testing rate 85.7% Referral rate 97.4% 85.6% 88.2% Proportion of approaches involving a SN-OD 93.0% 80.4% 85.8% Consent/authorisation rate 69.0% 58.1% 62.7% - when SN-OD not involved in approach 38.7% 24.5% 27.5% - when SN-OD involved in approach 71.3% 66.3% 68.6% - when patient had not expressed a wish to donate or thepatient's ODR status was not known at the time ofpotential donation

54.1% 41.5% 46.7%

-potential donation*

93.7% 88.0% 90.5%

- own at time ofpotential donation**

94.0% 89.0% 91.2%

- when SN-OD involved in approach and patient known to be on ODR at time of potential donation

94.3% 91.3% 92.6%

- when deemed consent applied*** 66.7% 57.1% 60.6%

*89 families overruled their loved one's known ODR decision to be an organ donor** 100 families overruled their loved one's known decision (by any method) to be an organ donor*** 13 families did not support deemed consent (of 33 cases where deemed consent applied)

UNITED KINGDOMThe Department of Health inthe UK created an organdonation task force whichreported its findings in January2008 after 10 months’ work.

The taskforce was greatlyencouraged by the evidence itconsidered, from across theworld, and believed that a 50%increase in organ donation was

possible and achievable in the UK within 5 years.The UK made many changes to their

management and work practices surroundingorgan donation and have achieved their objectiveof 50% increase in organ donation andtransplantation.

The organ donor co-ordination changes werekey to the success of the project. All their changeswere perceived not to be particularly difficult oreven costly to resolve. They required leadership,boldness and willingness to change establishedpractices. Very significant cost savings wereenvisaged compared with the cost of dialysis.

During the preparation of the main report of thetaskforce the Secretary of State asked the taskforceto consider whether a change to presumed consentwould increase the number of organ donors. Sothe taskforce was asked to submit a second reportin 2008.


SUBMISSION TO THE


The Taskforce Conclusion:“Taskforce members had a wide range of views at theoutset. However, after examining the evidence, theTaskforce reached a clear consensus in recommendingthat an ‘opt-out’ system should not be introduced in theUK at the present time. The Taskforce concluded that sucha system has the potential to undermine the concept ofdonation as a gift, to erode trust in NHS professionals andthe government, and negatively impact on organdonation numbers. It would distract attention away fromessential improvements to systems and infrastructure andfrom the urgent need to improve public awareness andunderstanding of organ donation. Furthermore, it wouldbe challenging and costly to implement successfully. Mostcompelling of all, we found no convincing evidence that itwould deliver significant increases in the number ofdonated organs”.

The Taskforce recommends that the governmentconsiders working with NHS Blood and Transplant toagree target increases in numbers on the Organ DonorRegister and a suitably expanded budget for promotion ofthe Register.

The UK has had a potential donor audit in place over 10years. This audit is the main tool for identifying gaps andproblems in the organ donation process in every donatinghospital. The graph below is from the most recent auditand clearly identifies the success of the Specialist Nursesfor Organ Donation (SNODS) in converting potential organdonors in to actual organ donors.

DBD = Donors after Brain Death DCD = Donors after Cardiac Death


In Ireland there is apparently resistance to theintroduction of the SNOD. They are key to organdonations growth in so many countries.

A significant amount of the growth in organ donornumbers in the UK 5 year strategy period, followingimplementation of the taskforce recommendations,were from the developments and improvements in the‘Donors after Cardiac Death’ (DCD) category helped, inparticular, by the SNODS.

In April 2016 – March 2017 there were 1,413deceased organ donors in the UK divided 829,(58.7%) donors after brain death and 584, (41.3%)donors after cardiac death. This is the area whereIreland has the best opportunity to increase deceasedorgan donor rates considering that only 3 out of the77 organ donors in Ireland in 2016 (4%) were DCDdonors.

Extrapolating the figures, if we had SNODS active inour donating hospitals doing the similar job they havein the UK, we could achieve 40% DCD donation ontop of our DBD rates. This is the most achievable thinganyone can do to increase organ donation rates inIreland. It requires investment in staff and training, andlike the UK, it requires leadership, boldness andwillingness but at least we have proof it can workbefore we start.

NORTHERN IRELANDThey have been considering theintroduction of ‘opt-out’ legislation forsome time but have yet to implementit. It is interesting to note that Dr. Paul

Glover, the most senior doctor dealing with organdonation in Northern Ireland, is quoted in a January2016 BBC article as saying, “...legislation is not theway to increase donation rates.” When referring to an

‘opt-out’ Bill being discussed at the time Dr. Gloversaid he believes the bill in isolation will fail. “It willhave to be underpinned by education.” In the samearticle intensive care consultant Dr. TJ Trinder said thatthere would be “no credible reason for the legislation,unless the intent is to override family objections todonation.”

THE SPANISH EXPERIENCEGenerally considered world-leaders and innovators in organdonation and transplantation,Spain legislated for an ‘opt-out’system in 1979. However, in theextract below, (from a BBC

article in 2008), Rafael Matesanz, then Clinical Directorof the Organizacion Nacional de Trasplantes andattributed with developing the so-called ‘SpanishModel’, stated:

“Many countries try to increase organ donationthrough legislation. But a change to presumed consentdoesn't improve the donation rate.”

He points to Rioja, a small region of Spain in termsof its population. Seven years ago it was languishingbehind many other regions in organ donation. In 2003a new transplant co-ordinator was appointed and thechange has been quite remarkable. This individualdoctor has galvanised the regional hospital to such anextent that, last year, they had the equivalent of 74donors per million population, double the already highSpanish national level.

Spain had an ‘opt-out’ system for 10 years – withno significant increase in organ donation rates andthen they introduced the package of changes in 1989which has made them the most successful at deceasedorgan donation in the world.

NORTHERN IRELAND

SPAIN

SUBMISSION TO THE


THE ROLE OF PUBLIC EDUCATIONThe IKA is supportive of any initiative that

improves the level of public knowledge andunderstanding of organ donation fortransplantation and, therefore, allows the publicto make an informed decision. It has been foundworldwide in modern Christian democracy that,when asked, the public is overwhelminglysupportive of the concept of organ donation butthey do not know much about how the processworks and this can influence decision-makingwhen it comes to actually making a decision.

Rather that facing a public who are againstorgan donation we are facing a public who needto better understand how the process works andhow it transforms lives. Investment in continuouspublic education will lead to more people activelyembracing the concept and a lower rate ofrefusal when families are asked for consent at anemotionally fraught time.

SUBMISSION TO THE


There are two absolute conclusions which can be made from this survey. The vast majority favour a national yes/noRegistry about organ donation and the vast majority are willing organ donors.

http://www.ika.ie/pdf/Survey_on_Public_attitude_to_Organ_Donation.pdf

CONCLUSIONThe IKA is always grateful when the Ministry of Health highlights the need for more organ donation,

championing for the people waiting on the various transplant pools.The IKA believe that the Human Tissue Bill is long overdue and is late in reflecting the need for change

following the retention of children’s organs which became public in the turn of the century. Ironically, it is thepresumption of consent in the current legislation that lead to the need for change to informed consent forretention of organs at post-mortem examinations.

The IKA believe the introduction of soft ‘opt-out’ legislation, to improve the rates of organ donation, shouldnot be considered at this point in time and three key changes to our infrastructure on organ donation need tobe firmly in place before the consent policy is reconsidered.

� The Audit of Potential Organ Donors� The deployment of Specialist Nurses for Organ Donation in each hospital where organ donation is possible.� National Organ Donation (yes/no) Registry.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Irish Kidney Association CLG.

Mark MurphyChief ExecutiveMonday 9th October 2017

Belgium, often cited as one of the ‘more successful’countries in relation to organ donation andtransplantation, actually invests €4 million every year ineducating the public and healthcare personnel aboutorgan donation.

We recently conducted a survey of the publicsurrounding organ donation.

This one minute survey was conducted in two parts. Theoverall total of people surveyed was 1,093; divided 36.5%at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore19th-21st September and the second part online 63.5%(694) promoted mainly by the IKA’s Facebook accountbetween 22nd September and 5th October.

It was expected that the IKA Facebook people surveyedwould have a bias towards organ donation and the publicsurveyed at the Ploughing would show up this bias. ThePloughing participants were certainly rural people versus amuch higher proportion of people from Dublin in theonline survey.



Recently we startedusing Snapchat, amobile messagingapp used to share

photos, videos, text, anddrawings. It Is free todownload the app andfree to send messagesusing it. It has becomehugely popular in a veryshort space of time,especially with youngpeople.

Snapchat’s two mostfamous functions are“Snaps” and “Stories”.The former is a quickphoto you can take withthe app that gets sent viamessaging to friends, butthen it deletes itself after10 seconds. When itcomes to Snaps, you canstill save good onesbefore they disappearforever by saving them to your Memories tab.

On the surface these two functions seem pretty youth-focusedand probably more used by teenagers sending each other selfies.For a charity like ours we feel it can leverage Snapchat to give acreative spin on visual storytelling.

For example, if we have got an event happening, we wouldcollect a few Snaps to Stories or Memories that show off howmuch fun everyone’s having and what a big impact the event ishaving on the community.

Also on Snapchat you have the option of ‘filters’ which wouldbe considered to be its defining and dynamic feature. They allowyou to include fun animations or special effects on top of thephoto you’ve snapped (as seen in the picture).

Now that we have set up our Snapchat account, it is important(like our other social media accounts) to get the word out and startbuilding our friends list!

Give the app a try and see what creative fundraising promotionsyou can come up with!

Our User name is: Irishkidneyas.

If you have any enquiries please contact me: JAMES REYNOLDS in Donor House,

Via email: [email protected] Or through our official Facebook page,

www.facebook.com/irishkidneyassociation

erwalue, EmpoVade, V

KidneysWomen’s

Health

8 March 2018

Include, V

& Women

8 Mar

©

World Kidney Day is a joint initiative of

© World Kidney Day 2006 - 2018

g

www.worldkidneyday.org

Artistic ChallengeCompetition

The winner of the Artistic Challenge Competition in theSummer Edition of SUPPORT is TOM MESKELL. He camesecond in the competion but is the winner of the €1,000

prize as it has been agreed that the overall winner is toreceive the €5,000 commission for the sculpture that theyhave suggested. We are keeping the overall winner a secretfor the time being. Thanks to all of you who put yourthoughts down on paper for our consideration.

2018 ORGAN DONORAWARENESS WEEK

will take place onSaturday 31st Marchto Saturday 7th April

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answered: 1,092

YES

NO

Q1 Do you know anyone, personally, who has had anOrgan Transplant?

OBSERVATIONSThe answers from both sides of the survey were similar, 66% online & 55% at thePloughing knew someone.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answered: 1,091

YES

NO

Q2 Do you currently have an Organ Donor Card?

OBSERVATIONS65% was an unexpected high ‘Yes’ to having a card. The online ‘Yes’ was 71% andPloughing 54.5% – still more people had a donor card than didn’t have one.

62.0%

38.0%

65.0%

35.0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answered: 883 Skipped 210

YES

NO

Q3 If no, did you ever have an Organ Donor Card?

OBSERVATIONSToo many people answered this question. 883 answered when only 382 has saidno to previous question.

66.8%

33.2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answered: 1,093

YES

NO

Q5 Do you know your immediate family's wishes about OrganDonation?

OBSERVATIONS48% of the people at the Ploughing knew their family’s wishes and surprisinglyonly 60.5% of the online people surveyed know their family’s wishes.

56.1%

35.2%

DON’TKNOW 8.7%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answered: 1,092

YES

NO

Q6 Would you like if there was a national register, where you coulddeclare your wish (either yes or no) now, about Organ Donationafter your death?

OBSERVATIONSThe difference in the 2 cohorts surveyed turned out not to be statistically differenton this question 91% yes at the Ploughing and 95% online.

93.8%

2.9%

DON’TKNOW 3.3%


SURVEY ON PUBLIC ATTITUDE TO

Organ Donation

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answered: 1,091 Skipped 2

YES

NO

Q4 Does your immediate family know your wishes about OrganDonation?

OBSERVATIONS80% of the online answers were yes compared to 60% at the Ploughing. ThePloughing 60% is probably a more realistic % overall.

73.4%

19.5%

DON’TKNOW 7.1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answered: 1,093

YES

NO

Q7 Would you like, if your consent to Organ Donation waspresumed, so that consent from your family was not required?

OBSERVATIONSThis was a much wider gap in the 2 surveys here. 32.5% at the ploughinganswered no to the question versus 14.5% online. With hindsight we think if wehad asked a different question. “Would you like that your consent to donating arelatives organs was presumed and that your views were not required”. Therewould be a greater ‘No’ answer. At the Ploughing one to one survey, Q7 questionwas almost seen as voting yes to organ donation.

72.0%

21.0%

DON’TKNOW 7.0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answered: 1,091

YES

NO

Q8 Have you ever donated blood?

OBSERVATIONSThe range was quite close in this question. 47.4% at the ploughing had donatedand 50.5% online. Interesting when you consider dialysis and transplantedpatients are not allowed to donate blood. A number of people at the ploughingwere showing disappointment because they had lived in the UK for the periodwhich excludes you from giving blood in Ireland.

49.4%

50.6%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answered: 1,092

YES

NO

Q9 Are you willing to donate your Organs for Transplantation afteryour death?

OBSERVATIONSVery similar answers on both sides of the survey. Interesting to see moreundecided in both cases than ‘no’ at 2.4% or 26 people. 19 said ‘no’ to our face asit were, at the Ploughing and only 7 people said ‘no’ online.

91.3%

2.4%

UNDECIDED 6.3%

Q10 What county do you live in?

OBSERVATIONSOf the 209 Dublin people who completed the survey only 15 of them were fromthe ploughing survey.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answered: 1,092

MALE

FEMALE

Q11 Are you male or Female?

OBSERVATIONSThere is quite an imbalance in this result. 62% surveyed at the Ploughing werefemale and a staggering 84.4% were female responses online. This does alsoreflect the female gender imbalance within the IKA Facebook followers.

23.7%

76.3%

Q12 What age bracket are you in?

OBSERVATIONSOnly 6 of the 68 people who were younger than 20 years old answeredonline. 20 year olds were more even in number, 49 at the Ploughing, 53 online.The big differences were in their 30s - 30.92% (214) online versus 14.04 (36) atthe Ploughing. 43.3% or 294 people was the biggest age bracket in their 40’sonline. The same age bracket at the Ploughing, 85, represented only 21.3% of thepeople surveyed. The highest age bracket to respond at the Ploughing were intheir 30s.

This one minute survey was conducted in two parts. The overall total of people surveyed was 1,093, divided as36.5% (399) at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore 19th-21st September and the second partonline 63.5% (694) promoted mainly by the IKA’s Facebook account between 22nd September and 5th October.

It was expected that the IKA Facebook people surveyed would have a bias towards organ donation, and thepublic surveyed at the Ploughing was expected to show up this bias. The Ploughing participants were certainlyrural people versus a much higher proportion of people from Dublin in the online survey.

There are only twoabsolute conclusions whichcan be made from thissurvey.

The vast majorityfavour a national yes/noregister about organdonation.

The vast majority arewilling organ donors.


Answered: 1,091

40’s34.7% (379)

30’s24.7% (270)

20’s9.3% (102)

<206.2% (68)

80+0.1% (1)

70’s1.1 (12)60’s

5.6 (61)

50’s18.1 (198)

1. KEEP IT VARIEDSTARCHY FOODS – vary the typesof breads (e.g white or brown panloaf, granary bread, pitta bread,baguettes, bagels, ciabatta,chapattis, white or granary breadrolls). Keep a stock in the freezer.

You could even cook extra rice,pasta or couscous in the evening –these can make interesting lunches!

PROTEIN – fresh lean cooked meat,for example beef, lamb, pork orcooked poultry (e.g. chicken, turkeyor hard boiled egg or a small can oftuna, boneless salmon or mackerel

For convenience – try sliced meat‘off the bone’ from the deli.

FRUIT – pack a portion of fruit forthose sweet cravings! They are alsofull of vitamins, minerals and fibre.Try fruits in season such as an appleor a handful of raspberries andstrawberries.

VEGETABLES – why not add asalad garnish to your sandwich toadd some flavour, crunch andgoodness (e.g 25g iceberg lettuce,cucumber, red pepper, onion or12g rocket/butterhead lettuce or 1 cherry tomato).

2. SPREADS/SAUCES FOREXTRA FLAVOUR

� Olive oil or vegetable basedspreads

� Mayonnaise� Mustard� Cream cheese � Chutney or onion relish.

Why not try make your own, see opposite page for a tasty redonion relish recipe!

� Cranberry sauce� Mint sauce


It is that time of yearagain...BACK TO SCHOOL

or WORK after theSummer break!

Already a month in, are you getting tired of

packing the same old lunch?

Did you know...

Lunches provide around

one third of our daily

nutritional needs, so it’s

important to put some

thought and planning

into them.

If you have been advised by your dietitian on a protein, fruit or vegetable allowance, be sure tocount what is in your lunchbox within your total daily allowance. One serving of the smallgarnishes listed above may be allowed as an additional vegetable source outside your dailyallowance. Link with your Kidney Dietitian and check.

Here are some tips on how to prepare a delicious andnutritious lunchbox!

LUNCHBOX 1Bagel with small tin tuna and low fat mayonnaise + small applechopped.

LUNCHBOX 2Beef and 2 tsp homemade onion relish, pitta bread + handful ofstrawberries.

LUNCHBOX 3Rice with small tin boneless salmon, 25g peppers and a splashof balsamic vinegar + peach.

LUNCHBOX 52oz/50g leftover roast chicken, 25g cucumber and low fatmayonnaise wrap + small orange.

LUNCHBOX 42oz/50g fresh roast turkey, 25g iceberg lettuce and cranberrysauce on granary bread + 2 plums.

By MARTINA COENTallaght Hospital on behalf of the

Renal Interest Group of the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute


TIPS ON HOW TO KEEPYOUR LUNCH FRESH� To avoid the dreaded soggy

sandwich, put juicy vegetablesbetween some lettuce and othersandwich filler for example, meat.

� Use an airtight containers or tightlywrap in aluminium foil / cling film.

� Use a cooler box or bag. A smallice pack can also be used!

� If available, keep your lunch in thefridge. If not, keep it in a coolplace away from direct sunlight orradiators.

TIPS IF YOU ARE BUYINGYOUR LUNCH OUT� Ask your server for more details

about items on the menu.� Many sandwiches and rolls contain

hidden ingredients such asphosphate additives. Check thelabels so that you’re not misled!� Go for ones that are <1.5g salt

per sandwich.

� Ideally choose fresh cookedmeats. Avoid processed meatssuch as ham, bacon, sausage,salami or corned beef that arehigher in salt and phosphateadditives.

� If you are watching your weightask for low fat sauces e.g.mayonnaise and ask for a smallamount, or on the side.

REMEMBER...If you have been prescribed aphosphate binder by your team,remember to bring them with you formeals away from the home!

WHAT ABOUT DRINKS?Some suitable options include tea,water, lemonade (use sugar free/zerooptions if you have diabetes orwatching your weight), tonic water,ginger ale. You can use most dilutabledrinks – check the labels and avoidthose with a fruit juice content ofmore than 12%.

If you are on a fluid allowance, be sure to count all fluids that you drink including when you are awayfrom your home!

RED ONION RELISH RECIPEIngredients: 2 red onions50g butter OR 40mls olive oil /vegetable oil1 tablespoon brown sugar1 tablespoon red wine vinegar Black pepper to taste

Makes approx. ½ jar of relish

Method:Chop the red onion into slices. Add

the butter / oil into a saucepan andheat. Add the sliced onion to thebutter/oil. Fry for a few minutes, thenadd the brown sugar, red winevinegar and black pepper.

Stir and allow to simmer on a lowheat for 20 minutes, stirring regularlyto prevent the sugar from burning.

It should now have reduced to adelicious dark red relish

Add 1-2 teaspoons to your favouritemeat, chicken or turkey sandwich.Serve straight away or pop in anairtight jar and store in the fridge fora later date. Use within 2 weeks.

5 DAYLUNCH BOX

PLANNER

On average each lunchbox will provide 2 protein exchanges and 1 portion of fruit.

he 32nd Service of Remembranceand Thanksgiving was held in its

familiar venue, Corpus Christi Church,Homefarm Road, Drumcondra where,

once again, we had a fully seatedcongregation in the Church. We are lucky

each year as we were fortunate to haveanother dry day.

The IKA’s NationalChairman, Officers,Board members and theLiturgy Committee weredelighted to welcomedonor families andtransplant recipients tothe Service. JohnWhelan, NationalChairman, welcomedthe congregation andintroduced the Clergywho participated in the Service. As in previous years,the Service was multi-denominational. Originally it wasintended to have the presence of the Lord Mayor butdue to the semi-state funeral of Liam T Cosgrave, hisattendance was cancelled.SERVICE OF

REMEMBRANCE&THANKSGIVING

Archdeacon Gordon Linney, Monsignor Martin O’Shea, Rev William Black, Rev Lorraine Kenny-Ritchie and Bishop Raymond Field,

John Whelan


Jimmy Murphy

Bishop Raymond Field, Monsignor Martin O’Shea,Archdeacon Gordon Linney, Rev William Black and RevLorraine Kenny-Ritchie participated in the Service thisyear.

In the Opening Procession the ‘Cross’ was carried tothe Altar by Jimmy Murphy, from Dublin, whogenerously donated his beloved wife's organs someyears ago.

The ‘candles’ werebrought to the Altar by theLimerick branch secretary,Mary Downes and OrlaHogan, from Tipperary, whois a member of TransplantTeam Ireland. Both Mary andOrla are recipients of kidneytransplants. A TransplantTeam Ireland winner's goldmedal, achieved at the 2010European Transplant andDialysis Sports which washeld in Dublin and awardedto one of our athletes,represented the athletehonouring his donor afterreceiving a life-saving kidneytransplant. As the athletewished to remainanonymous the medal wasbrought to the Altar by theNational Secretary, ValerieBrady.

Orla Hogan, Mary Downes David Crosby Helen Nugent and a representativefor the McConkey family

The ‘Book of the Gospel’was brought to the Altar byDavid Crosby, originally fromMeath and currently living inCavan. He is the recipient ofa life-saving double lungtransplant.

The music at the Servicewas provided by theProNuova group, under theMusical Director Dr Sharon

Lyons. Once again theirsinging and music was trulymagnificent. The warmprolonged round of applausefor the group, demonstratedthe true appreciation of thecongregation. Peopleexpressed their admiration ofthe music’s suitability and therespectful tone that wasconveyed through theirwonderful rendition.

Bishop Field recited theOpening Prayer and Ms DillyLittle, Surgical Director of theNational Kidney TransplantService, read the FirstReading. She was followedby Professor Jim Egan, theDirector of Organ Donationand Transplant Ireland (ODTI)who read the SecondReading.

Dilly Little

Valerie Brady

Our ‘Forget-Me-Not’flowers were brought to theAltar by Laurie McDermottfrom Kildare. Laurie and herfamily generously donatedher mother’s organs. TheOrgan Donor Card wasbrought to the Altar by twoof the IKA’s Board Members,Seamus Carrigan fromKilkenny and Eoin Maddenfrom Galway. Both Seamusand Eoin are currentlyreceiving dialysis treatment.

The Book ofRemembrance, whichcontains the names of organdonors inscribed in the ‘Rollof Honour’ was carried to theAltar by Annette Daly, fromGlenageary, Co Dublin.Annette is the IKA'sCalligrapher who, since theestablishment of our firstBook of Remembrance thirtytwo years ago, has faithfullyand carefully inscribed eachname in all the Books ofRemembrance.

Dr Clodagh Sweeney,Consultant Nephrologist,from Temple St Childrens’University Hospital and ourLady’s Children Hospital,Crumlin accompanied JulianBalikowsky (7), a dialysispatient, together with hismother Katarzyna to theAltar, where Julian’s favouritetoy was accepted by BishopField.


The Procession of giftscommenced with the candleswhich were brought to theAltar by two donor families,a representative for theMcConkey from Cork whodonated their beloveddaughter’s organs and HelenNugent, from Dublin whodonated her brother’s organssome years ago.

Laurie McDermott

Annette Daly

Julian Balikowsky

Harry Ward, Captain ofTransplant Team Ireland, anda kidney transplant recipientcommenced the ‘Service ofLight’ by lighting his taperfrom the Paschal Flame.Before the congregation’scandles were lit Susan Tobin,Secretary of the IKA's Carlowbranch, recited the poem ‘ACandle’. Representatives,from each family, carriedtheir candles to the tablessituated before the Altar andplaced the card, with thename of their loved one, inthe basket in front of theAltar.

Harry Ward

BY LORRAINE COSTELLO


The first Reflection wasread by Archdeacon GordonLinney, retired Archdeacon ofthe Church of Ireland, Dublinand Rector of St Paul's,Glenageary, Co Dublin.Archdeacon Linney hasloyally participated in manyof our Services over theyears. He was followed byPatricia MacKenzie. Patricia,a kidney transplant recipient,and one of the Managers of

the second Prayer ofThanksgiving. Our thirdPrayer was read by Mr EmirHoti who is the Director ofthe National Liver TransplantProgramme in St Vincent'sHospital. The fourth Prayer ofThanksgiving was read byNational Secretary, ValerieBrady, who representedPatrick Barry, the recipient ofa heart transplant who,unfortunately, was unable toattend on the day.

The final Reflection wasread by Caroline Lynch.Caroline is one of the OrganTransplant Coordinators,

SERVICE of REMEMBRANCE and THANKSGIVINGDr Claire Kennedy

the IKA’s Renal SupportCentre in Beaumont, readthe second Reflection. DrClaire Kennedy, aNephrologist based inBeaumont Hospital, whoaccompanied the Team whenthey participated in the 2016and 2017 Games held inFinland and Spain, read thethird Reflection.

Monsignor Martin O’Shea,PP of Corpus Christi, read theGospel and this was followedby the delivery of awonderful Homily by BishopRaymond Field. Bishop Fieldhad carefully researchedorgan donation and hereceived spontaneousapplause both during hissermon and at theconclusion. Each member ofthe congregation recognisedand related to his personalempathy in acknowledgingthe importance of hope,respect and generosity of

donor families present. Inturn, he conveyed the loveand appreciation felt by alltransplant recipients towardstheir donors.

‘Our Father and Prayer ofPeace’ was then read byBishop Field.

The first Prayer ofThanksgiving was read byReverend William Black.Reverend Black is the retiredRector of the Parish ofDrumcondra, North Strandand St Barnabas. He wasfollowed by Eileen Dunican,the Treasurer of the IKA’sWestmeath branch who read

Emir Hoti

Monsignor Martin O’Shea

Caroline Lynch

Eileen Dunican

Rev Lorraine Kenny-Ritchie

Patricia MacKenzie


based in the office of ODTI.The Closing Prayer was readby Rev Lorraine Kenny-Ritchie, Minister in Clontarfand Scots PresbyterianChurch. She was nominatedby Reverend Alan Boal, theMinister of the AbbeyPresbyterian Church inParnell Square, Dublin whohas previously participated inmany of our Services.

The presence of the ‘Bookof Remembrance’ togetherwith transplant recipients,donor relatives and friends,all under the one roof,touched the wholecongregation. Many donorfamilies viewed the entry oftheir loved one in the ‘Roll ofHonour’ after the conclusionof the Service.

The IKA was delighted tohave so many members of

ODTI present at the Service,including Prof. Jim Egan, it’sClinical Director, who read atthe Service. Each Co-ordinator provided vital andnecessary encouragement,support and comfort to thedonor families after theService.

The magnificent floraldisplays were assembled,once again, by Audrey Snowand her mother and the IKAwould like to acknowledgeand thank her for thepersonal interest she takes inour Service.

Maurice, the Sacristan,was as helpful as always andno request was too muchtrouble.

The Altar was beautifullydressed by Ellen Flanagan,IKA Kerry Board memberwho, each year, takes great

care in the presentation ofthe Altar’s appearance.

The local car park facility,adjacent to the Church andkindly offered by Ms ClareGalvin, Principal of theSchool, was invaluable andfacilitated the parking ofmany cars. Thanks areextended to Ellen Flanaganand her assistants whocarefully organised the car-parking facility on the day.

Once again a wonderfullytasty and substantial meal,together with soup,sandwiches etc was capablyprovided by Joe from SwanCatering.

The Association would liketo acknowledge and thankall the Board members,branch officers, members,friends and family relativeswho all came together to

help and assist on the day.Without their support itwould be impossible to hostthis Service.

It is also important toacknowledge Mark Murphy,and his Donor House staff,who put many weeks intothe preparation and lead upto the day. We also thank ourvolunteer Lenny Ryan who,hour after hour, packaged2,000 Service bags in theweeks prior to the dayitself.

Finally, the Associationwishes to thank ValerieBrady, Ellen Flanagan, JoanGavan, Patricia May, PeggyEustace, Colin MacKenzieand Lorraine Costello fortheir continued commitmentand dedication in producinga sensitive and considerateService.

SERVICE of REMEMBRANCE and THANKSGIVING


Prof Jim Egan

On Thursday, November 30th, the first ever globalevent, honouring organ donors, will take place infive cities on five continents. Its timing will coincidewith the 50th anniversary of the world’s first heart

transplant performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard at theGroote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town in 1967 where amajor international conference will be held titled ‘50 yearsof Heart Transplantation: Courage and Innovation’.

This Irish-led commemorative event involves the gifting,by five of Ireland’s major cities, Dublin, Galway, Cork,Belfast and Derry of a stone sculpted candle to therecipient cities of Barcelona, Cape Town, New Delhi, Bostonand Melbourne.

On the same day, Limerick City will also gift acommemorative candle to the people of Derry andStrabane, and two other events will take place, at the‘Circle of Life’ Garden in Galway and at Belfast CityHospital.

Organised by Strange Boat Donor Foundation, inassociation with Organ Donation & Transplant Ireland(ODTI), this global event will acknowledge the generosityand humanity of organ donors and their families, and willhelp promote the cause of organ donation on a worldstage.

Through the unveiling events in the different cities, theorganisers aim to increase global awareness of organdonation by reaching 10 million people which, it isbelieved, will help establish a global organ donationawareness network that transcends national boundaries.

The commemorative sculptures are each 5.5’ tall carved

replica of the stone sculpted candle in the ‘Circle of Life’National Organ Donor Commemorative Garden in Galway.The sculptures, symbolising the light of humanity shonethrough donation, will each be accompanied by a stonetablet narrating the purpose of the project and highlightingthe intercity/intercontinental gesture of outreach andfriendship through which the gifting is made.

The sculptures will be located in centres of transplantexcellence/education in each of the five continental citiesand will involve the civic authorities, medical fraternity andorgan donation transplantation communities.

Cape Town, Sth Africa – Groote Schuur Hospital Melbourne, Australia – Alfred Hospital

Boston, US, Boston UniversityBarcelona, Spain – Hospital Clínic

New Delhi, India – Safdarjung HospitalDerry – St. Columb's Park

At the event in the ‘Circle of Life’ Garden in Galway on30th November, the three Irish transplant hospitals andtheir staff; Beaumont, the Mater and St. Vincent's, willeach be honoured by the presentation of a carved plaqueof appreciation by the three transplant associations, theIrish Kidney Association, the Irish Heart & Lung TransplantAssociation and Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

All are welcome at this global commemorative event inGalway on November 30th at 2pm.Further information from: Strange Boat Donor Foundationemail: [email protected] | 087-7429080/085-7272491


Global Organ DonorCommemorative Event

The narrative plaque accompanying the stone candle.

Stone Carver, Ray Flaherty, carving the medical symbolinsert in the candle sculpture. This piece is carved from a

portion of the stone gifted to the ‘Circle of Life’ National Organ Donor Commemorative Garden by the

Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. The stone candle in the ‘Circle of Life’ Garden, a replica of which will be

unveiled in each of the host cities.

BLOCK CAPITAL LETTERS PLEASE:

Mr. Mrs. Ms. FIRST NAME: INITIAL:

SURNAME:

ADDRESS:

POSTCODE: TEL: MOBILE:

EMAIL:

ARE YOU A KIDNEY PATIENT: 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 QUARTERLY ‘SUPPORT’ MAGAZINE BY POST, UNLESSTHERE IS ALREADY ANOTHER ASSOCIATION MEMBER AT YOUR ADDRESS RECEIVING IT?

I WOULD PREFER TO RECEIVE AN EMAIL LINK TO THE MAGAZINE EACH QUARTER INSTEAD YES

CAN WE CORRESPOND WITH YOU BY EMAIL (if you have an email address), IN PARTICULAR NOTICESRE: 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 CONSTITUTION OF THEASSOCIATION (copy available on request) OR ON THE IKA WEBSITE - www.ika.ie

I SUBSCRIBE TO (sign up to and accept) THE CONSTITUTION OF THE IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION CLG (CompanyLimited by Guarantee).

SIGNATURE: DATE:

IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION CLG(Company Limited By Guarantee)

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM

If yes, please indicate your currentpatient status. Please update ourrecords when/if status changes.

Please return the completed, signed form to the Irish Kidney Association CLG, (Freepost), Donor House, Block 43A, Park West, D12, P5V6.

There is no subscription charge.


SLIGOBY GERALDINE JENKINS

ladies who participated in theWomen’s Mini-Marathon in June. Theamount raised was €5100 and wasdivided equally between the IKA andthe North West Hospice. The Hospicedonation was in memory of ColmMcTernan who passed away inSeptember last year.

The Strandhill Senior ladies GolfClub raised €305 by holding a GolfClassic event in June. Many thanks toNora Higgins and her friend MarieHealy (Club Treasurer) for organisingthe fundraiser.

LOURDESIn August, three of our dialysis

patients visited Lourdes. They travelledwith the Elphin Diocese and reallyenjoyed the experience.

FACEBOOKOur page (Sligo IKA Branch) was set

up in August 2011. All our branchevents, fundraising amounts, photosand donations to date can be seen byvisiting this page. Sligo was the firstbranch in Ireland to set up a Facebookpage apart from Head Office. Sincethen many of the branches have setup pages and it is great to see themsharing what they do, as this can helpform ideas for other branch users touse in the future. Facebook is such apowerful tool for advertising,promoting and highlighting the ‘Giftof Life’ organ donor card, branchfundraising and any activities thathave taken place as well as anyupcoming events.

GARDENWe are delighted to welcome

Judith Wolff as our new gardener.

Judith is also a botanist and studied atTrinity College. Judith really loves ourgarden and said she will be very happyto look after it for us. We only requireJudith to spend 3 to 4 hours a monthon average. New bulbs will be plantedthis Autumn in order to flower nextSpring. Lorely Forrester, who designedour garden, recently informed us thatshe loves the fact that anytime shevisits the garden, members of thepublic stop to talk to her and alwayscomment how beautiful and wellmaintained the garden is.

BRANCH MEETINGSOur monthly meetings take place

on the first Tuesday of the month andcommence at 8pm in The Sligo ParkHotel. We are always appealing fornew members so, if any of our readersor their family members would beinterested in joining us, please contactme on 086-0873552, [email protected] or,alternatively, I can be contacted onour branch Facebook page titled SligoIKA Branch.

SLIGO IKA BRANCH Marie Fowley Nora Higgins Mare Healy Eileen Nolan

Hello to everyone from the Sligobranch. There has been very littleactivity happening since the lastissue of SUPPORT, which was full offundraising events. I think therecomes a time in every branch whenthere is a noticeable lull, and newblood is needed in order to come upwith fresh ideas to not onlyfundraise, but more importantly tokeep highlighting the importance oforgan donation.

I distribute donor cards to all thechemists in Sligo town but only afew of them give the cards adequatecounter space. Quite often when Ivisit some of the chemists the donorcards are under the counter.

Our local Credit Union very kindlyallow me to leave the cards on thecounter where their members fill intheir payment slips which is why Itop up the cards there frequently.

CONDOLENCESOur sincere sympathies to our

committee member Ita Leyden onthe passing of her husband Michaelwho was also a committee memberand a dialysis patient. Our branchmeeting which was due to takeplace in September, after thesummer break, was postponed as amark of respect to the Leydenfamily.

FUNDRAISINGThe Geevagh Honda 50 Club Run

which took place on Sunday June18th raised €3380. Our heartfeltthanks is extended to the club andall involved in any way.

Once again Ena Feeney, fromBallygawley, organised a group of Judith Wolff


A great night was enjoyed by all inCallaghan’s Bar, Ballygawley

at the cheque presentation from theparticipants of

the Women’s Mini Marathon.


CORKBY GERALDINE BOWEN

knowledge that he could impart tothe new members and officers.

We extend our deepest sympathyto June, Trevor and Maria. Ar deis Dégo raibh a hanam Dílis.

WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMESWe had two representatives from

the branch at this year’s WorldTransplant Games in Malaga, Boardmember Michael Kiely, Mitchelstownand Chairperson Pat O’Sullivan,Mallow. It was a first games for bothparticipants. Two other Cork menwere at the Games, liver transplantpatients Charlie Ryan, Cobh and Mike

Keohane, Roscarberry.At our November support session

members of the Transplant team willbe there to talk to patients about theimportance of keeping fit post-transplant and the opportunities thatare available to you. Next year’sEuropean Transplant and Dialysisgames will be held in Sardinia fromJune 17th-24th so there is plenty oftime to get yourselves fit.

SUMMER PROMOTION EVENTSOn the August Bank Holiday

Funcheon Vintage Club ran a vintagetractor run and the IKA Cork branch

Connie Brosnan, Mike Kiely, Teresa Looney, Dr. Claire Donoghue and (front) Orla Hogan

TEDDY O’NEILLWe open the Autumn edition of theCork news with a tribute to our lateChairman and Board Member TeddyO’Neill, RIP. Teddy died suddenly onJune 12th. Teddy and his wife Junewere the backbone of the Corkbranch for over 25 years. We oweboth of them our deepest gratitudefor keeping the Cork branch going formany years when others may have letit disappear from existence.

Teddy gave many years as theChairperson and also served as anOfficer on the National Board. He wasthe longest ever serving Boardmember and was always in the Corkcorner fighting for what was best forCork and its patients. These yearsculminated in the building of the newRenal and Cardiac unit in Cork in2010.

Throughout the building of the unitTeddy was to the fore in ensuringeverything would be right for thepatients. In his last address to thebranch, at the AGM in 2015, Teddysaid that at last I have got thetelevisions into 4C. We will miss Teddyat our branch and his depth of

Teddy O’Neill

Cork members of Transplant Team Ireland, Mike Keohane, Charlie Ryan, Pat O’Sullivan and Mike Kiely

Taking Registrations at the Funcheon Rally


was one of the chosen charities. Wewould like to thank John and MaryHurley for assisting in the running ofthis successful event and for raisingmuch needed funds for the branch. Acheque was presented to branchmembers on September 9th.

Rylane community group held itsannual fete on August 12th and,despite the weather and the clash withthe All-reland hurling semi-final, therewas a good turnout and it was a greatday promoting organ donor awareness.A huge thanks to Hugh Nolan formanning the station on the day and hisspecial assistant Joanne Lyons, from theDialysis Unit, for helping out.

Kevin O’Keeffe TD lends his support at the Funcheon Rally

Smiling Funcheon Rally winners

Irish supporters at the World Transplant Games Mike Kiely at the Funcheon Rally

Right: Dialysis Nurse Manager Joe Lyons and familyat our new stand at the Rylane Fete


CORK CONTD.

MONTHLY SUPPORT SESSIONSOur first support group get

together was held in the RochestownPark Hotel on Tuesday September 5th.We began the evening with a minute’ssilence for our late Chairman TeddyO’Neill. The new format of ourmonthly get together was widelypraised. Our guest speaker on thenight was Dermot Crosby from theDepartment of Employment andSocial Protection. Dermot gave afantastic presentation of the benefitspatients on long-term illness wereentitled to and how to get back towork under various different schemes.Dermot was delighted to be given theopportunity to address the membersand has advised that he will comeback again.

Our next session was held onOctober 3rd. At this session IKACounsellor Mike Kelly gave a talk tothe audience about dealing withchronic kidney failure and post-transplant.

Our November meeting will includespeakers from Transplant Team Irelandto talk about life after transplant andsports participation.

ETDNA CONFERENCEA number of Irish delegates

recently attended the EuropeanDialysis & Transplant NursesAssociation (EDTNA) Conference inKrakow. The three day event gave awonderful insight into the world ofdialysis and transplantation. One ofthe main themes from the Conferencewas communication. Communicationbetween patients and their medicalteam. This breakdown seemed to be acommon issue worldwide.

A portable home haemodialysismachine was on display. This machine

Irish delegates at the EDTNA Conference

allows Home HD patients to travelaround the country.

UPCOMING EVENTSOur annual Mass will be held in the

CUH Chapel on November 12th at3pm. This beautiful ceremony is wellattended every year by donor familiesand transplant recipients.

Christmas Cards will be on sale inthe canteen beside the Chapelimmediately following the Mass.Refreshments will also be served in thecanteen.

Our Christmas lunch will be held inthe Rochestown Park Hotel onDecember 3rd at 3pm. Lunch will befollowed with entertainment for thekids and the adults and you neverknow as we might have a specialguest that may turn up on the day forthe kids. The cost of the meal will be€10 for adults and €5 for childrenunder 12.

To book your place please emai:[email protected] or contact theSecretary on 086-2755754.

Portable haemodialysis machine

It is essential that you book in advanceand the latest date for booking will beNovember 24th.

NOVEMBER 7THSupport Meeting, 8pm, Rochestown Park Hotel

NOVEMBER 12THAnnual Mass of Thanksgiving, CUH Chapel Cork

DECEMBER 3RDChristmas Lunch, 3pm, Rochestown Park Hotel.Da

tes f

or yo

ur D

iary


DONEGALBY KAREN BRADLEY

everyone had fun.Our thanks to Siobhan and George

Bates for organising such a lovely day.We would like to wish Yvonne

McFadden and her sister well after theywent through the paired kidneyexchange transplant and also to PatriciaFitzpatrick who had a live donortransplant. All are well and enjoyingtheir new ‘gift of life’.

A special thought to our branchmembers who have lost family orfriends.

We would like to thank the RenalSupport Centre, Beaumont, foreverything they do for us, and the Renal

Unit in Letterkenny. I honestly donot know where or what wewould do without these people.

And, finally, we were delightedwith the Organ Donor AwarenessWeek and the Church gatecollections - congratulations to allour volunteers and thank you foryour hard work.

Christmas cards will be availablefrom the Letterkenny Dialysis Unit,any member of staff or SiobhanBates.

If there are outstanding moniescould we ask that they be handedin?

That's all our news from thebranch until the next time.

Hi to all from the Donegal branchnew Secretary. I do hope you all had a wonderful Summer?

The branch had a lovely annualSummer outing. We were picked up bybus from Letterkenny for a full funpacked day. We stopped off first at KittySean’s for tea/coffee and homemadescones and then we toured the DoaghFamine Village. It was very interestingand good craic. We then headed to thered roof barn where the music withShunie Crampsey and guests had us alldancing. We finally ended up indelicious meal as always. It was a lovelyday for the children and adults and


KERRYBY THERESA LOONEY

1st Prize:MF 135 Tractor

Noreen Murphy, Clonkeen, Killarney2nd Prize:Log Splitter

Mike Cronin, Ballyhar, Killarney.3rd Prize:

2 B+B, 1 Dinner, Kenmare Bay HotelNeil Kelly, Ballaugh, Killarney.

4th Prize:1 B+B, Castlemartyr Resort

Patricia Healy, Bansha, Co. Tipperary.5th Prize:

1 B+B, Woodlands HotelParic Russell, Lismore, Waterford.

6th Prize:€100 Voucher, O’Sheas Killarney.

Sean Crowley, Clonakilty.

At the South Kerry Ploughing Championships are: Connie Brosnan (branch Chairman); Marie O’Shea, Peter O’Shea (transplantrecipient), Debbie Templeton, Theresa Looney (Branch Patient Support Officer) and entertainer Jack Patrick Healy.

Hello to all from the Kingdom ofKerry. We do hope everyone had anice Summer and sincere condolencesto the families who have lost lovedones namely Jerry Murphy, AlanMcGovern, Keith O’Donnell, SeanO’Connor and Mary Enright. May theyrest in peace.

Congratulations to the followingwho recently received kidneytransplants...Colm Clifford, Milltown,Siobhain Crowley, Castleisland andKathleen Daly, Firies. We wish you alla good recovery and a new lease oflife.

On June 17th Jimmy, Paddy, KatieDwyer and friends organised afundraising walk around Camp. Theweather was beautiful, the sceneryfantastic and the barbecue and craicat the Junction Bar afterwards was anevening to remember. A huge thankyou to everyone who helped out onthe day and all going well we will beback again next year.

The walk raised €3,300 on the dayfor which we are very grateful.

At the end of June our ChairmanCon Brosnan was part of the Irishteam that did us proud at the WorldTransplant Games. What a fantasticexperience to spend a week with suchpositive people who were celebratingthe gift of a new life. Congratulationsand well done to all involved.

Our branch was one of fourcharities chosen to be part of amonster draw organised by KillarneyValley

Classic and Vintage club. Eachcharity was asked to sell as manytickets as possible. The draw was heldon Saturday June 30th and thefollowing were the winners: Mary O’Shea, Karen Brosnan, Noreen O’Keeffe, Debbie Templeton and Theresa Looney at the Ploughing Championships.

Noreen Murphy (prizewinner)and Moira Mohill (CE, KerryCounty Council)


A cheque will be presented tothe branch over the next fewweeks.

Thank you to Astellas forinviting our Chairman, ConBrosnan, Vice-Chairman, StephenByrne and Eibhlin Gleeson tospeak to the staff at theirAwareness Day. The ongoingsupport of Astellas over the yearsis very much appreciated.

The Tralee Holiday Home hasbeen booked solid since early Mayby families lucky enough toreceive a respite break. We hopethey all enjoyed the Kerry air andhospitality and went home feelingrefreshed.

CHARITY WALK IN CAMP

Pat Looney, Theresa Looney, Jimmy Dwyer (organiser), Dan Moynihan, Katie Dwyer (organiser), Lorraine andAbbie McCarthy, Stephen Byrne (vice Chairman, Kerry branch).

Connie Brosnan takes a breather at the fundraising walk in Camp.

Theresa Looney, Jimmy Dwyer (organiser), Dan Moynihan,Katie Dwyer (organiser), Lorraine and Abbie McCarthy,Stephen Byrne (vice Chairman, Kerry branch).

Dan Moynihan, Connie Brosnan, Stephen Byrne, Theresa Looney, Amelia and Pat Day and Katie Dwyer.

I would like to acknowledge thewonderful staff at University HospitalTralee for looking after the patients’medical needs. Also to LorraineMcCarthy, our Bean an Tí, whomaintains the house to such a highstandard.

The stay would not be the samewithout a visit from our Chairmaneach week. Con always provides thema warm welcome and advises on allthe places to go and things to do andsee in Kerry.

It is a great team effort and we areprivileged to be given the opportunityby the IKA to run it.

At the Annual General Meeting of theGalway branch Stephen O’Sullivanindicated that he wished to step downfrom the position as BranchChairperson. Stephen gave sterlingservice to the Branch and also playeda major role on the Board of the IKAand served as National Chairman andlater as National Treasurer.

During his chairmanship the AnnualService of Remembrance andThanksgiving was held in GalwayCathedral which was attended byPresident Michael D. Higgins and thiswas followed by the official openingof the ‘Circle of Life’ Garden inSalthill. The Cathedral was filled tocapacity on what was a beautiful day.

Sadly during Stephen’s term ofoffice his lovely wife Maura passedaway. May her gentle soul rest inpeace. He was a great supporter ofthe European and World TransplantGames. We wish him a happyretirement.


GALWAYBY ANGELINE COOKE

Mayor of Galway, Michael Connolly presented a cheque for €3,650 to Eoin Madden, part-proceeds from the Mayoral Ball.

Angeline Cooke presenting the cheque to Galway branch Chairperson Eoin Madden. Also present are Peadar Ó hIci,Angeline, Bernie Coyle, Chris Curley and Mary Ryan.

Eoin Madden, Angeline Cooke, Marielle Macleman (Visualartist) and Margaret Flannery (Arts Director, UniversityHospital, Galway.

This year the Mayoral Ball,organised by the then Mayor ofGalway, Michael Connolly, nominatedthe IKA to be one of the chosencharities to benefit from the proceedsfrom the event. Michael’s daughterAnne Marie, had a kidney transplantmany years ago and she helped inorganising the Ball.

Angeline Cooke again organised anExhibition of Watercolours, Oils andPaintings on Silk, which she called‘Anseo is Ansiud ‘ (‘Here and There’).Her work was in great demand withpractically a 100% sell out. Angelinedivided the proceeds between theGalway branch and the Dialysis ArtsProgramme at Merlin Park Hospital,Galway.

Galway branch Chairperson Eoin Madden with his wifeMichelle at the County Mayoral Ball.

CAVAN/MONAGHANBY KARL CRONIN


At the recent World Transplant Games in Malaga,Galway’s Sinead McGowan won four medals – two goldand two silver. Sinead received a kidney from her brotherSeamus in 2008 and has been living in Australia for someyears. Her parents, Colm and Teresa from Renmore,Galway, are staunch IKA supporters and wonderfulfundraisers during Organ Donor Awareness Week. TheGalway branch is delighted to send a message ofcongratulations to Sinead on her great achievements.

Marie Burke, of the Loughrea Active Retirement group,presented our new Chairperson, Eoin Madden, with acheque for €550. The Branch also received €1,500

donation for the IKA Renal Support Centre in Beaumontthe proceeds of a ‘Fun Day’ held in Gort CommunityCollege. The Branch would like to acknowledge the workof Teacher, Amy Talbot, parents, students, Headmaster andstaff for their wonderful gesture.

The Annual Mass of Thanksgiving was held this year inKnocknacarra Church. We wish to thank the Parish Priest,Fr. Tadhg, for his welcome and the Church Choir for theirbeautiful music and singing during the Mass.

Both the Organ Donor Awareness Week and ChurchGate collections were well supported and we wish to thankall the volunteers who participated in both events.

Peadar and Sinead de Barra with their sons Iarlaith and Oisin get ready to collect in Galway

during Organ Donor Awareness Week. Anne Marie Connolly and Agnes Kelly at our Information stand in the Corrib Centre, Galway.

WILL YOU GET INVOLVED?Branch members will be aware that it has been some time since we have hada Branch meeting. In recent years, the numbers attending Branch meetingshave decreased and we have relied very heavily on a small number of membersfrom Cavan and Monaghan to keep the branch active.

We have a number of vacancies in the branch at present and we don’t haverepresentation on the National Board of Directors. In the IKA’s Constitution ifa Branch fails to hold an AGM or to nominate a representative of the Branchto the National Board, the Board may take steps to rectify the situationincluding closure of the Branch or amalgamating the Branch with anotherexisting Branch.

Given the large number of members in our Branch, and the number ofpatients attending the Renal Dialysis Unit in Cavan, it would be a shame tosee our Branch closing or being amalgamated with another neighbouringbranch.

Therefore, we are calling on all our members who are willing to get involvedand reinvent the Cavan / Monaghan IKA branch to get in touch with us. Pleasetext your name, address and contact number to 086-8513173 and once wehave sufficient numbers, we will contact you with the details of our nextmeeting.

You will see from all the other branch reports that there is so much to begained from having an active branch, including peer support, social outings,promotion of organ donation in the locality and benefitting from localfundraising initiatives. This is your branch of the IKA – will you get involved?

Hi to all in the IKA.I thought you would like to see thisphoto. Our son Andrew married

married NoraCunningham fromWaterford in ourhome town ofMullagh, Co.Cavan recently.Andrew had akidney transplantin December 2003,and has done verywell under the careof Dr. de Freitasand his team inBeaumont. Not to

mention Prof. Conlon, and how couldwe forget David Hickey.

Our thoughts and prayers went tothe donor and their family on ourhappy day. Without their sacrifice, ourjoy would not have happened. Noraand Andrew's wonderful son Markwould not be here either. Keep up thegood work.

Andy Jones (Snr)Mullagh, Co. Cavan


WEST CLARE WALKThe IKA West Clare Walk took placeon Sunday April 30th. The walkcommenced in the Square in Kilrush,went out the Moneypoint Road andreturned by Cappagh via the coastalroute to Kilrush. The proceeds to dateamount to a total of €11,295, whichis on a par with previous years.

This was the second year using thenew route. Dry seasonal weatherprevailed and a large number ofparticipants took part leading to avery successful walk.

Our special appreciation isextended to the organising committeeunder the Chairmanship of VincentO’Halloran and comprising PeggyEustace, Carmel McCormack,Geraldine and Joe Grace.

A big ‘thank you’ to each and everyindividual who took part in the walkand those who sponsored them. Thisparticipation by both walkers andsponsors, allied to the committee'swork has contributed significantly tothe great success the walk hasbecome over the years.

CONGRATULATIONSCongratulations to Marie O’Connor

on winning gold and silver medals at

CLAREBY MICHAEL MESCALL

Back: Michael Mescall, Peter Dale, Gerry Moran and Bill Dale.Front: Gina Dale, Mary Neylon and Peggy Eustace (Clare branch Chairman).

Nicola Frazer and Paddy Crowe, staff members of Cois na hAbhna, Gort Road, Ennis, who provide our members with awelcome cupan tae after our recent branch meeting.

the World Transplant and DialysisSports Championships in Malaga inSpain in late June. Marie was amember of a strong Transplant TeamIreland which included 4 liver and 23kidney transplant patients.

The team won a grand total of 32medals and ranged in age from 30 to79 years. They showed their zest forlife, sportsmanship and infectiousgoodwill while honoring their organdonors.

Marie won gold in the Women’sSingles 18 hole golf, played on thebeautiful Guadalhorce golf course intemperatures in the mid-Thirties. Shealso won bronze in Petanque Singles(a sport similar to bowls whichoriginated in France) which wasplayed on a gravel surface in theseGames.

Speaking about her win Marie said:“I am over the moon, I did not expect

it, this is for my donor. If it was not forthem I would not be here.“ This wasMarie’s seventh time representingTransplant Team Ireland at aTransplant Games either World orEuropean. She has competed forIreland in such distant locations asBangkok in Thailand and Loudon inCanada. Marie who hails fromMoymore North Lahinch in Clarereceived her first Transplant in 1996and her second kidney transplant twoyears later. We wish her continuinggood health and further success atfuture games.

CHRISTMAS SOCIAL The Christmas Social will take place

at the Old Ground Hotel Ennis onDecember 3rd and we look forward toseeing our members and theirfamilies. For more details on thisupcoming event together withmatters relating to tickets, pleasecontact our Chairperson PeggyEustace at 087-9392148.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTIONSThe summer months have been a

busy period for church gate collectionsin the branch. We would like to takethis opportunity of thanking all ourvolunteers who give so generously oftheir time in making these collectionspossible throughout the year.Contributions are on par withprevious years and, in this regard, thepublic are to be complimented fortheir great help.


BEREAVEMENTSWe extend our deepest sympathies to the

family of the late Tony McInerney, WillowPark, Ennis, Patricia MacKenzie Dublin NorthBranch IKA on the death of her aunt SrElizabeth, late of St Saviors Convent ofMercy, Ennis and the family of PJ Haugh,Lislanaghan, Kilkee. May they rest in peace.

HOLIDAY CENTRESA number of Clare patients have availed

of the holiday facilities in Tramore andexpress much satisfaction with the level ofservice provided. Our thanks to all in DonorHouse for facilitating matters andorganising accommodation.

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND THANKSGIVING The Service of Remembrance and

Thanksgiving took place in Corpus ChristiChurch, Drumcondra on October 7th. TheIKA invites all members to attend theService, to honour and remember thespecial people who have donated theirorgans so that others may live. OurChairperson Peggy Eustace is a member ofthe Liturgy Committee.

MEMBERSHIPMonthly meetings of the Clare branch

have commenced following the Summerrecess. We invite members, including newpeople, to attend and seek theircontribution towards the Branches’ plansand activities for the year ahead. Meetingstake place on the second Tuesday of eachmonth.

At our September meeting Bill Dalepresented our Treasurer Gerry Moran with adonation of €440, proceeds of table topsand boot sales in the UK. We thank Bill andPat Dale and their friends for their generoussupport of the IKA.

Mayor of Clare Councillor Bill Champbers, Professor Austin Stack, Sally Hogan (nurse, UHL), Peggy Eustace and Fr.Tom Hogan, celebrant at our Mass of Remembrance & Thanksgiving in Ennis.

Joe Grace, Valerie Brady (IKA National Hon. Secretary), Louth/Meath branch, Geraldine Grace and Clare branchSecretary Michael Mescall at our Mass.

Patrick, Aine and Eoin Eustace following our MassCarmel McCormack and Joe Grace


Hi to all and I do hope everybody iswell in Tipperary and you enjoyedyour summer?

We want to congratulate SheilaGregan and Orla Hogan on theirparticipation in the World TransplantGames in Malaga, Spain and to all theteam that flew the flag for Ireland.

There has been many differentfundraisers held in the county. Hayleyand Owen Shanahan had a lip-syncbattle in Thurles on June 24th whichwas a great night and was wellattended. They held this fundraiser inaid of the IKA Renal Support Centre inBeaumont. Hayley said it was amazingto have somewhere to stay on thegrounds of the hospital during thetime that Owen got his transplant.

A moonlight walk was held by theAherlow Hotel for the IKA and CancerSupport Centre. There was a greatatmosphere at this walk. It started justat dusk so we could see themoonlight. We would like to thankthe hotel for including the IKA thisyear.

TIPPERARYBY ORLA RYAN

Anne Hackett, whoseson Paul had atransplant this Summer,held a coffee morningin Two-Mile Borris.Anne said they are agreat community and afantastic €3,500 wasraised.

The annual GolfFundraiser in Nenaghwas held the lastweekend of August.Many teams came tosupport this annualevent. James was delighted as over€4,000 has been raised.

Our church gate collections thistime of year have begun and we willbe continuing with these throughoutthe Winter.

Brian Duggan, Captain, Nenagh GC, Michael Scroope, Marie Scroope, and Seamus Hogan

Michael Fitzsimons, IKA, receivingcheque proceeds of the IKA

Scramble at Nenagh Golf Club fromLady Captain Betty Hynes. Also

pictured are Brian Duggan (Captain,Nenagh GC) and John Sheridan

(President, Nenagh GC).


OFFALYBY KEVIN GALVIN

on his passing and also to the familyof Teddy O’Neill, Cork Branch, a long-time friend of the branch and itsmembers. Ar dheis dé go raibh aanam dílis.

Greetings to all our members and Ihope you are all keeping well.

PEDAL THE PEAKSOn the weekend of June 30th and

July 1st the Tullamore Cycling andTouring Club (TCTC) held a cyclathonin the Bridge Centre, Tullamore inadvance of their Pedal the PeaksChallenge. It was a hugely successfulevent and many thanks to all whoparticipated, donated and helped out.

On Sunday, August 27th it was alovely day for a cycle and over 300cyclists turned up for the Pedal thePeaks. Five year old Sophie Mahonfrom Mount Bolus, who received aliving related transplant from herfather Hugh was at the starting linewith her family and ChairpersonJerome Burke to see the cyclists off.

The cyclists stopped midway wherethe refreshment crew, led by MaryYoung, Geraldine Leahy and LilDowney held a banquet for all. Theday came to an end at the TullamoreHarriers where a barbecue was heldby the TCTC.

A special word of thanks goes toJacinta Condron and Liam MulhallChairperson TCTC for the trojan workthey have done for the Offaly Branchover the last three years.

CONDOLENCESWe would like to extend our

condolences to the family of long-time branch member Eamon O’Meara

GET WELLGet well wishes are extended to

David Cullina who is unwell at thistime.

CONGRATULATIONSCongratulations to Kim Heavin and

Tanya Tracey and their friends whotook part in the Women’s MiniMarathon to raise funds andawareness for the branch.

MEETINGSOur support meetings are held in

the Tullamore Court Hotel on the thirdThursday of the month at 8pm. All arewelcome and please bring a friend(s).Light refreshments are served.

WESTMEATHBY CATHY SMYTH

Hello everyone, I hope you had anenjoyable Summer.

The main event, held byWestmeath IKA this Summer, was ourannual cycle on the Greenwaybetween Achill and Westport whichtook place on July 22nd.

Once again the event was very wellattended. We were blessed with theweather, no rain and mostimportantly not much of a breeze!

We set off from Achill at about12pm and met back in the Helm pubin Westport Quay for a meal and afew drinks.

Many thanks to all whoparticipated and to those whocontributed to the funds raised.

We will be holding our annualMass and get together in lateNovember/early December so I hopewe will see you there?



WEXFORDBY MARIA DONLON

WEXFORD DIALYSIS UNITWork has finally begun on the

building of the long-awaitedkidney dialysis unit in Wexford. Itwill be on the outskirts ofWexford town, SinnottstownLane. The opening date should beearly 2018. It is fantastic news forall those patients who will notnow have to make the journey toWaterford and will lessen theirload.

CONGRATULATIONSCongratulations to Richie

McAuley and Fiona on the recentbirth of their daughter Amelia.Richie is a transplant patient.

We also wish to congratulateWexford native John Whelan whohas been appointed NationalHonorary Chairman of theAssociation. John grew up inBlackrock, Co. Dublin.

ANNUAL MASSOur local Mass of

Remembrance and Thanksgivingtook place on July 14th in ClonardChurch.

The Celebrant was Fr. BillyCaulfield, newly ordained in June.A good crowd was in attendance.The Rathangan Choir sang somelovely hymns. We alwaysremember our donors living anddeceased.

Tea and coffee was available inthe hall following the Mass.

CHURCH GATE COLLECITONSThe following Church Gate

collections took place: Wexford;Enniscorthy; New Ross, Rosslareand districts and we wish to thankall those who gave their time tocollect, it is most appreciated.

Right: Michael and Teresa

Doyle at the Wexfordbranch Mass ofRemembrance

Left: Anna Carton and Bridget Cullen also atthe Wexford branchMass of Remembrance

WESTMEATH CONTD.


Hello to all our members andwelcome to the Autumn edition ofSUPPORT.

Our branch had a very busysummer. The Holiday Respite Centreopened in May; all our patients withtheir families enjoyed the fabulousweather and their holiday in Tramore.

Our Church gate collections inTramore, Fenor and Co. Waterford inJune were very successful again thisyear. Many thanks to all who helpedover the different weekends – yourtime and effort are greatlyappreciated. ‘Thank you’ to all whosupported our collection.

A family Fun Day was held againthis year at Newtown, Kilmacthomasin July and was another great success.‘Thank you’ to the Committeemembers, including our branchChairman Ray Halligan, everyoneinvolved in organising this day, thosewho sponsored the events and all whosupported the day.

We had a fundraising day atSuperValu, Tramore Road, Waterford,in July. Many thanks to our volunteersand all who supported this collection.

Our Annual 10K Walk was held onSunday, August 27th from Carrickbegto Portlaw. ‘Thank you’ to EddieSullivan who organised this eventagain this year, and to all our walkers,runners, everyone who gavesponsorship and all our helpers on theday. We would also like to thank theproprietor of The Forge Inn, Portlaw,who supplied tea and coffee followingthe walk. Thanks also to everyonewho made sandwiches and cakes –they were enjoyed by all.

Our next meeting will be held atthe Edmund Rice Centre, BarrackStreet, Waterford, on Tuesday October24th at 7.30pm. All are welcome,including family and friends.

WATERFORDBY VERA FRISBY

Newtown school girls

Members of West Waterford Harley Davidson group had their machines on display on the day\

The under age races got lots of entries.

The Daniels and Connors families

Gerard Jordan, Richard Briscoe.


FAMILY FUN DAY – NEWTOWN PHOTOS BY JOE CASHIN

Ruby Allen, Anita Flynn

Kieran Kirwan, David Janes, displaying old army memorabilia Anne Power and mum Peggy RocheHelping out...Kay HanniganJ.J. Bagge and Mary Bagge

Tanya Gorey, Sean Murray,Fionn, Shay & Fay O’Reillyand doggie Prince

Dan & Bim Connors

Jody Hassett & Lauren DaltonMarian Dunphy,

Kathleen HarneyLorraine Power,

Willie, Jessica & Bella McGrath

Fintan Lambe& P.J. KirwanRonan O’Sullivan tries his hand at milking the electronic cowMick Kavanagh in his 1924 Bull nose Morris

David & Christopher Collenderplaying 4 in a row

Ray Halligan& Siobhan Hassett

Ava Thornton and dad Michael. Ava won 1stprize in running event for her age

Catherine & Paul Daniels

Shane Grant & Corey PowerCommunity Cardiac first responders

Eileen & Paddy Long with grandchildren Zane and Calum Dooley Cullinane Jo Hallihan at the flower stall

Ron Grainger

Therese Bissett, Ben Gaughran, Agnes Matthews and Peter Heffernan at the cheque presentation of proceeds from theladies of Skerries Golf Club

Greetings to all members as wecommence the Autumn season.

CONGRATULATIONSCongratulations to two recently

transplanted members, Martin Cahillwho got the call and was transplantedon June 24th and Margaret Quinnwho received a living donor transplantfrom her sister Bernie on July 11th. Allare happy and doing well.

HONORARY NATIONAL TREASURERSince the last edition of SUPPORT,

Colin Mackenzie, who was acting asInterim National Treasurer, has nowbeen appointed Honorary NationalTreasurer of the IKA – joining NationalChairperson John Whelan andNational Secretary Valerie Brady.

TRANSPLANT TEAM IRELANDCongratulations to Transplant Team

Ireland. We were happy to greet themat Dublin Airport on their triumphant

return from Malaga – laden withmedals.

SKERRIES GOLF CLUBWe acknowledge, with gratitude, a

very generous donation from theLadies of Skerries Golf Club. €2,067was donated to the IKA and we aregrateful to former Lady CaptainPauline Gaughran, wife of our valuedmember Ben Gaughran.

Pauline spoke to members at theGolf Club Dinner about the work ofthe IKA and introduced transplantrecipients Therese Bisset, BenGaughran, Agnes Matthews and PeterHeffernan. Seeing transplantrecipients greatly increases awarenessof the importance of organ donation.Thanks once again to Pauline and thelady members of Skerries Golf Club.

RON GRAINGERFor our September meeting we

welcomed Dublin North members Ronand Joyce Grainger. Ron, our speakerfor the meeting is the ‘Fit For Life’Ambassador and also a kidneytransplant recipient. He spoke abouthis life and patient journey from hisown unique perspective. Heencouraged us to enjoy the benefits


DUBLIN NORTHBY PATRICIA MACKENZIE

Patricia and Colin Mackenzie

Sheila Lunny

Ron & Joyce Grainger


Enjoying a cup of tea after the meeting

Stephen & Collette Fox

Paul and Rose Prendergast

of regular exercise. It was a fascinatingtalk leading to many questions andcomments from members. Our thanksto Ron for starting our season on avery positive note.

NEXT MEETINGOur next meeting will be on

Monday October 16th at 7.30 pmwhen we will welcome NationalChairperson John Whelan as ourvisiting speaker. Our meetings arealways held in the Renal SupportCentre, Beaumont Hospital and all arewelcome to attend.

LADIES DAYOur Ladies Day will be held on

November 2nd at 1pm in the SandsHotel, Portmarnock. Ladies whowould like to be greeted with aChampagne Reception, a 4-coursemeal, followed by a Fashion Show andperhaps win a prize in the ‘BestDressed Lady Competition’, come tothe Sands Hotel, on ThursdayNovember 2nd.

Red Hurley, supported by the‘Sisters of Sound’ will entertain withspecial guests, vocal duo Mark andRachel, plus lots of music.

Tickets are available from AnnBurke on 087-1352775. All proceedswill go to the work of the IKA.

DATE:

THURSDAY 2nd NOVEMBER 2017at 1.00 pm

ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS: 087-1352775

•Champagne Reception•4 Course Lunch

•Fashion Show•RED HURLEY

VENUE:

WHITE SANDS HOTEL, PORTMARNOCK

National Hon. Chairman John Whelan andNational Hon. Treasurer Colin MacKenzie


Hello to all our members. We hopeeveryone is keeping well and enjoyedthe Summer.

We have two upcomming eventsfor your calender.

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCEPlease note that the Leitrim

branch’s Memorial Service will be heldon Sunday 12th November in theBush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon.There was a marvellous response tothe Service last year and we hope tosee everyone again.

CONCERTHubert McHugh, Leitrim Guardian

Person of the Year and Ambassadorfor the Leitrim branch Organ DonorAwareness Week announced detailsof a special concert night. Hubert willpresent a night of real nostalgia byhosting the charity event, incollaboration with country legendMick Flavin who is celebrating 30years performing. This charity nightwill see Mick perform his numeroushits and he will be joined on stage byspecial guests.

The Concert will take place in TheBush Hotel, Carrick-on -Shannon onSaturday, October 28th. Tickets areavailable from committee members.

All proceeds from the event will bedonated to the IKA and North WestHospice.

BARBECUEThe annual barbecue, organised by

Annetha Loughran and her husbandJohn, was held on August 6th inTaylors Bar, Drumsna. A sincere ‘thankyou’ to Liam and Fionnuala Taylor whoprovided use of their marquee andcooking facilities. Damian McGuinnesswas the DJ for the night.

Thanks to all our sponsors whoprovided the gifts for the raffle. Allproceeds were donated to the IKA

and, as photos show, a good time washad by all.

BENEFIT NIGHTA special thanks to Bernie

McGovern who organised a BenefitNight in McKeowns Bar, Cloon,

and raised €1,096.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTIONS There was a great response to our

Church Gate collections which wereheld on August 20th. Once againsincere thanks to all volunteers.

LEITRIMBY HELENA O’NEILL

Annetha Loughran

Liam Taylor Ashling Burke, Fionnuala Taylor


DUBLIN SOUTHBY JAMES REYNOLDS

Hello and welcome from the Dublin SouthBranch. As usual we have a busy few monthsahead with a number of events andpromotions. Thank you to all of our membersfor their continued support.

Our branch meetings started back after ourSummer break on Thursday September 14thin a new venue – The Plaza Hotel in Tallaght,.This will be our new venue for all futuremeetings. Our next meeting is November 9thso be sure to come along for a chat, meet oldfriends or make new ones. If you haveconcerns or questions, whether you are apatient or carer and or a family member orfriend please drop in, you will be mostwelcome.

CHRISTMAS PARTYOur branch Christmas party will be held on

Friday, November 24th in the Plaza Hotel,Tallaght. Tickets are now available, only €28each. Mark the date in your diary. Don’tforget, all are welcome on the night so bringyour family and friends along too.REMEMBER, dialysis patient branch membersgo for FREE! If you are interested in ticketsplease contact James on 085 213 8309.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTYThe Children's Christmas Party,aged 11 and younger,will take place onSunday December10th, 3pm-5pm inCheeverstown House,Templeogue. A smallcontribution of €3 perchild, to cover some of thecosts involved withorganising this event, isrequested. We hope that you will still supportus in making this a memorable party for thechildren.

BRANCH MEETINGSThe Dublin South branch meetings are

always held on the second Thursday of eachmonth in The Plaza Hotel, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

For any questions or queries about theDublin South branch please call James 085-213 8309.

DUBLIN SOUTH IKA BRANCH

Mary Lennon, Frank Heslin, Eric McGrath

Caitriona Charles, Helena O’Neill

Damian McGuinness John Loughran


DUBLIN EAST & WICKLOWBY BERNIE DWYER

€3,200. National Chairman JohnWhelan thanked them and said a fewwords.

Thanks to Brambles who held acoffee morning in The Lexicon in DunLaoghaire, to Supervalu in Bray, toAldi Nutgrove and Sandyford whereAnn Sadleir did it on her own! ToJacinta in Roundwood Pharmacy andindeed all the other pharmacies whohelped us out.

I would like to mention GloriaProby here as we missed her verymuch this year. We wish you and yourfamily well for the future.

WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMESIn July three of our members Gary

Campbell from Greystones, DeirdreFaul from Dalkey and Michael Dwyerfrom Cabinteely took part in theWorld Transplant Games.

At the beautiful Guadalhorce GolfCourse, Malaga, in temperatures inthe 30s Gary won gold in the singlesand Gary and Michael won gold in theteam golf.

Deirdre Faul won gold in squashand three gold in swimming. Michaelalso won silver in the ball throw. Wehad a long and busy week with a

wonderful team showing howtransplantation works and theimportance of exercise.

As you all know by now our ownchairperson, John Whelan, is the newIKA National Honorary Chairman. We,in the Dublin East + Wicklow branch,wish John the very best in his new rolefor the next two years.

Finally, as we go into a new Seasonwe would love to see as many aspossible at our branch meetings in StAnn’s Resource Centre, Shankill, heldusually on the first Tuesday of themonth where you can hear the latestnews and have a chat.

We will be taking orders forChristmas Cards soon and ourChristmas Lunch will take place onDecember 10th in the Ocean Bar andGrill, Bray.

KILMACANOGUE HORSE SHOW In September we were once again

invited to The Powerscourt Arms toreceive a cheque for €1,000 from ourfriends in the Kilmacanogue HorseShow. We sincerely thank them for

Presentation of cheque for €3,200 from the ladies of Ashford ICA

Hello to all in Dublin East andWicklow. It seems a while since Ishared some news and photos...theSpring in fact!

We hope you all enjoyed a goodSummer and are ready for the longernights.

Special thoughts to any memberswho are in hospital or just not feelingwell at this time.

ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS WEEKThis seems so long ago but I must

mention the hard work of all ourvolunteers, you all know who you are.Your loyalty every year is muchappreciated by us all.

Thank you to Dunnes Stores,Cornelscourt, for allowing us to do abag pack again this year. It was quitean achievement for us to cover 14checkouts and we were very gratefulto Rachel O’Hora, one of ourmembers, for bringing the lovelytransition class from Holy ChildSecondary School, Killiney to makethis a success.

On April 4th we met Marie Togherand the ladies of Ashford ICA whochose us as their charity andpresented us with a cheque for

DUBLIN EAST + WICKLOW

Catherine Foley and new IKA Chairman John Whelan

James Nolan, John McAleer, Mick Dwyer, Ron Grainer Gary Campbell, Michael Dwyer


TRANSITION YEAR GIRLS FROM HOLY CHILD SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILLINEY

including us in their fundraising this year again. Some of ourmembers actually helped out with stewarding on the day of theShow. John Whelan accepted the cheque this year and said afew words.

NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIP The IKA had a stand at the Championship this year in

Tullamore and volunteers from some of our branches were inattendence where we helped conduct a survey. Report in thisSUPPORT.

THE PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Dear John and Michael,Thank you so much for attending our charity awards night

last week and for describing to our gathering the work youdo. Please find attached a press release outlining the awardsnight. I also attach a photo of you receiving the award.

We look forward to liaising with you again and particularlyto organise volunteersfrom the IKA whomight be interested inmanning a gateway atthe show and usingthis opportunity to tellpeople attendingabout yourAssociation.

With kind regardsMary

PRO, Kilmacanogue Horse Show

Kilmacanogue Horse Show cheque presentation


LIMERICKBY MADELEINE DONAGHY

The Limerick Branch held our annualbarbecue once again in the Locke Baron Georges Quay, Limerick on SundayAugust 13th at 4pm. Many thanks toAnna and Richard Costelloe forproviding this ever popular venue forthe annual fundraiser and awarenessraising event for the Limerick Branch.

Our Chairperson Sandra Earlswelcomed other committee members,renal patients and their families andfriends along with members of thepublic to this very popular fundraiser.

It was an afternoon ofdelicious barbecue foodand lively traditional musiclater in the bar.

A very big ‘thank you’from the Branch to all whosupported the event.

ASSORTEDDESIGNS

Madein Ireland

€5PER PACK OF 10

+Post & Packaging

See IKA website

www.ika.ieor phone:

01-6205306for details

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 20011260

The entire proceeds from the sale of these charity cards go to supportthe IKA’s work for the dialysis and transplanted patients in Ireland.

Beannachtaí NaNollag

Festive SeasonBEST WISHES FOR THE

Season’s GreetingsHappy Christmas!

AND ENVELOPES

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