Longford family urges public to make organ donation wishes known

The national launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week 2019, by the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, TD, was held at the Mansion House Dublin 2 on Tuesday, March 26.

The annual campaign, which takes place from March 30 until April 6, is organised by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) and supported by the Organ Donation Transplant Ireland (ODTI).

Present at the launch were Conor and Gráinne Wyse, Lanesboro natives who lost their brother, Ruairí, to an aneurysm in 2015.

Ruairí had made his organ donation wishes clear prior to his tragic death and his family received great comfort in knowing his organs saved the lives of five different people.

They have urged others to do the same and follow suit, as difficult as the decision may be.

Read more: ‘It is just a fantastic thing for people to do’, says sister of Longford donor

Gráinne Wyse told the Leader: “It is a hard decision and it is understandable if people say no. But, in four or five months, you will be happy you made the decision.

“It just makes you feel so good to be able to help someone. It is just a fantastic thing for people to do.”

The focus of Organ Donor Awareness Week is to remind individuals to talk to their families about their organ donation wishes and keep the reminders of their decision available by carrying the organ donor card permitting Code 115 to be included on their driver’s licence, as well as having the ‘digital organ donor card’ APP on their smartphone.

The week also serves as the key annual fundraiser for the IKA as volunteers sell their forget-me-not flower emblem and other merchandise with proceeds going to supporting services to kidney patients and their families.

Ray D’Arcy has taken up the voluntary role of Ambassador for Organ Donor Awareness 2019 and also attended the National Launch. He will feature on posters and in a radio advertising campaign encouraging the public to let their loved ones know their wishes.

In support of the Organ Donor Awareness Week, An Post has also just launched a stamp featuring a symbolic hourglass timer carrying the message ‘Organ Donation Saves Lives’. The stamps are available nationwide in 950 post offices, along with stocks of organ donor cards with information factfiles are also available nationwide from pharmacies and GP surgeries.

Grainne said, “When the hospital rang and said five people would be saved, my mother said it was like winning the lotto.

“To us, it was brilliant to know that he didn’t die in vain and his wishes of donating his organs were respected.”

Organ Donor Cards can also be obtained by phoning the IKA on 01 6205306 or Free text the word DONOR to 50050. You can also visit the www.ika.ie/get-a-donor-card.