Maria's younger brother Padraig, affectionately known as Podge, was diagnosed with only 10% kidney function. Living in Cork City, where he has built his career and his family, Podge is now awaiting a kidney. Maria has made the selfless decision to put herself forward as a living donor. She is raising awareness and giving back to the Irish Kidney Association by taking part in this year's VHI Women's Mini Marathon.
Approximately 2½ - 3 years ago my family found out that my younger brother Padraig (Podge) who is now 37 years old, had 10% kidney function.
With being diagnosed with diabetes and hemochromatosis since he was a young teenager, this was another battle that we did not want him to have to face. As my only sibling, we are extremely close. I’ve always wanted to do anything I could to help him.
Podge is the most driven person I know and as a professional (when he was well) could be the best business man that hit Cork City and could turn his hand to any marketing challenge. He has the most advanced business brain I’ve ever encountered. However, due to his kidney failure as well as his pancreas failure this has taken its toll on all his hopes and dreams. I have no doubt that these are only on the back burner until he hopefully receives a transplant and he can take the world by storm again.
We had a close call last November (2024) where we did not think Podge would survive, however he pulled through and proved everyone wrong.
I will be going forward as a live donor. After all, he’s my only brother and I would literally give him my organs to keep him alive and to live his life to the fullest. Podge has his own little family as well, a 5 year old boy that he idolises and they both deserve to enjoy each other and have a normal life and live it to the fullest.
I am taking part in the VHI Women's Mini Marathon to say a massive 'THANK YOU' to the IKA for all the support that my brother and family receive on a daily basis but I also wish to raise awareness to people that organ donation saves lives. Organ donors are heroes. It is bittersweet, one generally must lose a loved one for another family to receive that miracle donation and 'Gift of Life'. Whether I am my brother’s donor (which I really hope I am) or he receives an organ from a deceased donor my family are clinging on to every bit of hope that he gets that miracle donation.
