Teresa marks 25th anniversary of lifesaving kidney transplant with major fundraiser
Transplant Team Ireland member in 2023 Teresa Smyth from Williamstown with former Olympian triathlete Gavin Noble. Pic. Conor McCabe Photography.
A Williamstown woman is marking the 25th anniversary of her lifesaving kidney transplant with a major fundraiser for the Irish Kidney Association.
Teresa Smyth, from Beaugh, received her transplant on January 10th, 2001. Now, as she celebrates the “25th birthday” of her donated kidney, she is organising a raffle in the Blue Kuku, Kiltevna, on this Saturday, March 14th. Prizes include a hotel stay, rugby tickets, cash, vouchers and hampers, and donation envelopes are available in local outlets.
Teresa’s road to this milestone has been far from straightforward.
In the early 1990s, while in her 30s, she suffered fatigue and high blood pressure. Her kidneys failed in January 1999, forcing her onto dialysis while caring for five young children, the youngest just six.
“I was ill, but I kept thinking I’d go back to work next week. Two years later I was still on dialysis,” she said.
A potential transplant in September 2000 fell through, a moment she describes as a major blow.
“It was an eye-opener for me. I thought I’d get the transplant and come home, but the next day I was back on dialysis.” Her successful transplant came four months later. The first year was difficult, but she was able to return to work in 2002.
Looking back, she stresses the importance of remembering donor families.
“We were all so excited, but while all that is going on you have to be very aware there is a family grieving the loss of a loved one.”
In 2023, while planning a visit to her daughter in Perth, Australia, Teresa discovered the World Transplant Games were taking place. She soon became part of the Irish team, competing in three events and winning a silver medal in darts.
“I met people from across the world with the same story—from Germany to India to South Africa.” Her decision to take part was a tribute to her donor who had provided her with a new lease of life all those years ago.
Marking her 25-year milestone, Teresa chose to give back to the organisation that supported her.
Carol Moore, CEO of the Irish Kidney Association, has warned of growing strain on kidney services.
“We are seeing a growth in the number of people living with kidney disease. Every year we need two new dialysis units to cope with the increase,” she said.
“The biggest worry is that Ireland is going to run out of capacity. We need more awareness. Kidney disease is life changing, and we want to prevent kidney failure wherever possible.”
The association provides extensive supports including counselling, peer services, assistance for patients who need to travel, holiday homes, and accommodation for families during treatment.
