Gift of Life: A Father’s Day to remember for one local family
THIS Father’s Day marks a special anniversary for one local family, as they celebrate the gift of life thanks to organ donation.
Last Father Day’s, Laura Sargeant, a 41-year-old mother of two, was reunited with her father Howard Slattery in hospital just days after donating a kidney to him.
As the family celebrates the first anniversary of the transplant, they reflect on their journey and the incredible support they received along the way.
Diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) in 2021, Howard endured 18 months of peritoneal dialysis in his Terenure home.
Despite the challenges, the family remained hopeful and determined and after a number of loved ones were tested, Laura was found to be a perfect match.
“I was overjoyed to be a kidney match for my dad,” Laura, who lives in Rathfarnham, said.
“The screening process was extensive, but I felt supported every step of the way. It was a relief to know I was in perfect health and could help my dad.”
Proud dad Howard with son John and daughter Laura one year after his kidney transplant
Last Father’s Day, Laura and Howard, who were both recovering in hospital from the transplant performed just days earlier, met for the first time post surgery.
“I gave him a Father’s Day card, some chocolate which was forbidden while on dialysis, and a very careful, gentle hug”, she said.
“It was an emotional moment, realising the transplant had been successful and that dad’s new kidney was already working perfectly.”
This Father’s Day, the family will gather at home and celebrate the one year anniversary with a special lunch.
Laura’s brother John, who lives in London and raised €6,346 for the Irish Kidney Association with friends last year, is also home for the celebrations.
John and his friends ran the Hackney half-marathon in London for the Irish Kidney Association
Alongside thanking family and friends for their immense support, the Sargeants also expressed gratitude to the Nephrology and Transplant Teams at Beaumont and Tallaght University Hospital and the Irish Kidney Association.
A grandfather-of-two, Howard said: “My life has been transformed.
“I can now look forward to the future and make plans.
“I’m very grateful and proud of my wonderful daughter for what she has done for me.
“We’ve always been close, and this has made us even closer. We have a very special bond, and there’ll always be a part of her with me, which is lovely.”
Laura and Howard hope their story inspires others to consider organ donation.
“We feel extremely lucky that everything went smoothly for us,” Laura said.
“But our thoughts are with over 2,000 people on dialysis and over 500 on the kidney transplant waiting list donations and not forgetting nearly 100 more waiting for other organ transplants.
“We’re advocating for altruistic kidney donation which was legislated for in the new Human Tissue Act which was passed earlier this year to be introduced soon to help speed up the process for many.”
This Father’s Day, Howard and Laura, along with their family and friends, not only celebrate Howard’s renewed health but also their incredible bond and resilience.
They look forward to a future filled with joy and health, cherishing every moment together.
Learn more about the Irish Kidney Association and how you can get an organ donor card HERE.