Amazing trip embarked upon by Tipperary transplant recipient

This March, a remarkable Tipperary woman is taking on an inspiring virtual challenge to celebrate the first anniversary of her kidney transplant, raise awareness for organ donation, and fundraise for the Irish Kidney Association, the charity that has supported her throughout her journey at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/AlisonFogarty/.

Starting on Thursday, March 6 and culminating on World Kidney Day, March 13th, 48-year-old Alison Fogarty McCarthy will walk 180 kilometres virtually from her hometown of Tipperary to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, where she received a life-saving kidney transplant a year ago after nine years of dialysis treatment.

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Her journey will conclude at sunset at the historic Rock of Cashel, illuminated in purple, one of the Irish Kidney Association’s signature colours.

Over the first seven days, Alison will walk close to 25 kilometres each day, mostly within her local area, including a running track, the picturesque Glen of Aherlow, and Dundrum Woods.

Determined to give back and raise awareness, Alison has planned this virtual walk as a tribute to both her donor and the kidney charity that provided invaluable support throughout her journey.

The walk will not only raise funds for the charity but also highlight the importance of organ donation and kidney health. Alison encourages people to join her for any part of her challenge over the eight days.

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Alison’s lifelong journey with health challenges included a diagnosis of Bartter’s Syndrome at the age of 10 which resulted in a three month stay at Crumlin Children’s Hospital away from her parents and siblings which she found very isolating.

This diagnosis came after other conditions including suspected Leukemia and Crohn’s Disease were ruled out. Bartter’s Syndrome is a rare autoimmune condition that causes potassium loss from the kidneys, leading to painful cramping and other severe symptoms.

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Growing up, Alison spent much of her childhood in and out of hospital and missed a lot of school due to her condition. She has also faced a range of other health challenges, including gout, joint swelling, and a failed kidney transplant.

In 2015, after just six months of dialysis treatment, Alison received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. However, just a week later, her world was turned upside down when the transplant failed due to thrombosis in the artery, and the donor kidney could not be saved.

The devastation of losing the transplant took an immense emotional toll on Alison. “I blamed myself, even though rationally, I know there was nothing I could have done,” she explained.

“I felt huge disappointment and grief for my kidney donor. The pain of this loss was overwhelming, and it took her four years to accept being placed back on the transplant waiting list. Fear of the unknown and the possibility of another failure weighed heavily on me, but over time, I came to terms with the situation, determined to keep going despite the emotional scars.”

Despite the many obstacles, Alison’s determination has only grown. “I always told myself I would never give up,” she shared.

“No matter how tough things got, I kept going.”

In 2019, after surviving a near-fatal pneumonia and collapsed lung, she fought back and regained her mobility, eventually making her way back to walking again.

However, her health continued to deteriorate, and by December 2023, Alison found herself on Peritoneal Dialysis for 10 hours every night at home as well as having to under four ‘exchanges’ (called CAPD dialysis) throughout the day. “I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally,” she said.

“But then I found the Irish Kidney Association’s Peer Support service, which is free one-to-one confidential service for patients, and that’s when everything started to change.

“The peer supporter I was matched with was a woman who had been through dialysis and two kidney transplants herself, and she became a vital part of my emotional recovery. Angela was incredible,” said Alison.

“She understood me in a way that nobody else could. It was like she was my saving angel.” It was during one of those meetings that the Peer Supporter asked Alison what she would do if she was called for a transplant and Alison joked she would ‘skip to Beaumont hospital’.

In what felt like an extraordinary twist of fate, hours later, she received the life-changing call from the hospital - an organ had become available for her. “It was as if the universe had heard me, or like divine intervention,” Alison recalled. “I couldn’t believe it. It was like serendipity, a miracle that came at just the right time.”

This call led to her transplant in March 2024, in the same week as that the Irish Kidney Association was running its campaign to mark World Kidney Day.

Alison shared, “The difference in my health has been profound. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for my donor,” she said. “This transplant has transformed my life. I am healthier, stronger, and more energetic than I’ve been in years.”

She added: “I want to show that no matter how difficult life gets, there is always hope. And I want to inspire others who are struggling to keep fighting.

 “This is for all the patients, families, and supporters who make this journey with us and my way to give thanks to families of both my donors for their profound selflessness at a time of their personal heartbreak,” she said.

“I’d encourage everyone to let their family know their wishes about organ donation, I am living proof of the success of organ donation. There was a time when I had no mobility and even when I improved getting up the stairs or walking any distance was a challenge.

 “I want people to know what an important lifesaving gift it is and the hope it gives to families of patients anxiously awaiting ‘the call’ for a transplant. I urge people to support my fundraiser for the Irish Kidney Association which provides tremendous support to kidney patients and their families.”

The walking challenge will cover approximately 25 kilometres each day, starting at 11am each day, except for the final day.

The journey will begin at the Sports Complex running track in Tipperary Town on Thursday, 6th and Friday, 7th March.

For Alison, it is important that part of the walk takes place on a flat, accessible surface, as she remembers a time when she faced mobility challenges herself. From Saturday, March 8 to Tuesday, March 11, Alison will walk through nature, encouraging people to join her for all or part of each day's journey.

Each day will begin at 11am, with Saturday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 11 starting at the car park in the beautiful Glen of Aherlow.

On Sunday, March 9 and Monday, March 10, Alison will walk in the tranquil Dundrum Woods, also setting off from the car park at 11am. The penultimate walk, on Wednesday, March 12, will return to the Sports Complex Running Track in Tipperary Town, starting at 11am.