A woman who was fighting to stay alive has received the gift of life from her garda fiancé after he donated his kidney to her.
Shane Hunter, 29, from Athlone, Co Westmeath was a perfect match for his fiancee Briona Reynolds, 28 from Tubber, Co Offaly who had suffered from kidney disease for five years.
Now two weeks on after receiving her soon-to-be husband’s kidney and completing her thesis to become an art teacher, Briona outlined her gruelling battle with the disease.
She said: “Since being diagnosed five years ago we watched as my kidney function decreased knowing there was nothing we could do other than trying to delay the inevitable through medication and lifestyle and dietary changes.
“But as my kidney function continued to decline to a point where my treatment options were reduced to commencing hospital dialysis treatment or the hope of getting a kidney transplant.
“The past ten months have probably been the most challenging, waiting for test results, watching my health decrease further and trying to complete my thesis while on dialysis.
“But after all the stress and disappointment when Shane and I finally checked into Beaumont Hospital the evening before our operations, it all felt worth it and that everything was going to work out.
“I honestly don’t think it has fully sunk in yet that Shane has donated his kidney to me and I’ll never know how to fully thank him but I am so grateful that we can finally move ahead with our lives.”
By February, Briona’s kidney function had almost fully declined and she then had no option but to commence haemodialysis treatment in order to keep her alive.
Both Shane and Briona’s Mum were a donor match, but Shane was determined he should be the one to donate his organ.
The couple, who met in 2009 were due to go ahead with the surgery in February but complications pushed the appointment to March which was subsequently cancelled due to Covid-19.
The couple have come forward in a bid to offer hope to the hundreds of other families with loved ones in organ failure on transplant waiting lists.
And have praised Beaumont Hospital where the surgery took place after the resumption of the programme following its suspension due to Covid-19 back in March.
The pair have turned their attention to tying the knot next year while Shane plans to return to his garda duties at Tullamore garda station soon.
Speaking post-surgery Shane joked his biggest concern now is what he’ll get his fiancé for her birthday after donating his kidney.
He said: “For the last number of years I’ve seen Briona struggle with the complications of having kidney failure and so when I was given the opportunity to get tested for kidney donation I was eager to help but also nervous that I might not be a match.
“The successful transplant allows us to plan ahead and focus on what’s coming, like our wedding next year.
“Now my concern is what to get Briona for her birthday, it’s hard to top a kidney.”
- Organ Donor Cards can be obtained by phoning the Irish Kidney Association on 01 6205306 or Free text the word DONOR to 50050
