New Laois dad Kevin McEvoy died while waiting on the heart transplant list

A Laois family affected by a tragic death is urging the public to remember the gift of organ donation in their darkest hour.

Sarah McEvoy from Killeshin has spoken courageously about the loss of her beloved brother Kevin to a heart condition last September.

He was only 34 years old, had married his wife Deborah only two years earlier and they had just welcomed their son Keelin into the world.

“In 2019, Kevin was diagnosed with heart failure. His condition was managed under the wonderful care of St James’ Hospital.

“But earlier last year, Kevin’s condition began to deteriorate rapidly and he was transferred to the Mater Hospital to begin his journey for a heart transplant. He spent his last 140 days in the care of their fantastic staff.”

The family is grateful to everyone from professors to porters, calling its nurses “Kevin’s angels.”

“His life depended on a new heart. A heart that belonged to someone else. There was a shortage of suitable donors. We’ve been waiting for months. Every day he received a phone call full of hope and prayer.

“My parents were by his side every day and did their best to keep Kevin cheerful as he lay alone in his hospital room. He should have been with his wife, who was pregnant, to go to the scans.

“Instead, he went on a strict diet and lifted weights in preparation for his transplant. The whole community hoped and prayed. Everyone is waiting for the good news. And nothing.”

Kevin became increasingly ill as he waited for the call.

“As a family we never talked about Kevin’s death or life without him. When he passed by, everyone was completely shocked. We were all sure he would get a heart.

“Now we are without a brother, a son, a husband, a father, an uncle, a nephew, a cousin and a friend.

Sarah with a photo of her brother Kevin.

“We are shocked by our loss, we don’t want another family to have to go through this pain. One donor can save seven lives. Please do not leave your loved ones in doubt. Tell them you want to donate your organs.

“Take a donor card with you, download the app and inform your next of kin,” asks Sarah.

New Irish legislation called the Human Tissue Bill, which was signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins on February 28 this year, will introduce an ‘opt-out register’ for people who do not wish to be donors while still participating relatives can give families the final say.

Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024 takes place from April 20 to 27 and is organized by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in collaboration with the HSE’s Organ Donation Transplant Ireland (ODTI).

The public is asked to mark Organ Donor Awareness Week by coming together to discuss organ donation with their loved ones and let them know their wishes about organ donation.

For donor cards see www.ika.ie/get-a-donor-card or call the IKA on 01 6205306