Transplant girl now the picture of health

If ever there was living proof of how organ donation can transform a life, the smiling face of little Lorna Tierney said it all as the sun poured down in Greaghagivney, Stradone last Friday afternoon. Lorna was also looking forward to meeting Westlife with her sister Nicola at their concert in Dublin. The Tierney family, Larry and Kathleen and their daughter, Nicola, spoke in glowing terms about how their youngest member was given back an active life, courtesy of a kidney transplant. Lorna's mother Kathleen explained that when Lorna was eight, she was drinking fluids excessively. "She was always thirsty and always wanted more water," she said. She was also losing energy and frequently felt tired. They took her to their GP Eamonn McDwyer and x-rays revealed only one kidney. Lorna was sent to Temple Street in Dublin and after further investigations, it was discovered the kidney she had was quite small. Dr Atif Awan, who was looking after Lorna, pointed out to Kathleen and Larry that the kidney had a lifespan of only two and a half years. He described how it would eventually break down and that Lorna would require a kidney transplant. Lorna was then put on a transplant waiting list and Kathleen decided she would give her one of her kidneys, if found suitable. "Everything was going fine and it had come down to one last check-up, to ensure all was 100%," she said. Then by a stroke of luck, they received a call to say that there was a kidney available for Lorna. "We had less than 15 minutes to get out of the house and we rushed to Dublin with a garda escort. This race was both daunting and exciting, all at the same time," said Kathleen. The traffic was stopped in the city centre as Lorna's car sped unhindered to Temple Street. The operation took place in May, 2010 and went well. "Lorna made a fantastic recovery with no setbacks. She was back down in the ward the following morning after the operation and went from strength to strength," said Kathleen. Lorna left the hospital after just 12 days. She was 10 when she had the operation and will celebrate her twelfth birthday on July 7. Lorna never had to go on dialysis prior to the life-transforming operation but it was getting close to that stage. She will be on an anti-rejection drug for the remainder of her life, but according to Kathleen and Larry, that is a small price to pay for her good health. The proud parents agree that Lorna looks fantastic and that life is brilliant for her. Lorna was so excited to be heading to meet Westlife, together with her sister and cousins. Nicky Byrne phoned her on Friday morning and told her that he hoped she was in good form for the concert. She was all set to go to Westlife last year, but her operation intervened, and Nicky became aware of her desire to see the band. "I really like the band - they are really good singers and lovely people," said Lorna, who loves to do hip hop and swimming. All her friends were delighted when they heard she had been speaking to Nicky and had also appeared on TV and radio. Her sister Nicola is thrilled that Lorna is in such good health after the operation and was also looking forward to the Westlife experience. Cheerful Lorna will soon be moving on from Clifferna primary school to Loreto College and was delighted about making her confirmation last week. Larry said it was like a miracle that a kidney became available, just when Kathleen was on the verge of donating one of hers, and Kathleen pointed out that it is easy to become an organ donor - it is now possible to do it by signing the back of your driving licence. There is also an icon on the new iPhones, where you can go on line and become a donor immediately. Organs from 23 donors have been given up for donation from January to March this year so far, and 66 lives have been saved. Larry and Kathleen Tierney say it is also important to let your family know that you have become a donor.