By 
THE family of a Strabane woman who died from kidney failure earlier this year have issued a heartfelt plea for people to speak openly about organ donation – after learning that her liver has already given another person the gift of life.
Carol‑Ann McCullagh (née O’Neill) passed away in January following years of severe kidney complications. Diagnosed with diabetes at the age of ten, she endured a long and difficult medical journey which included a kidney and pancreas transplant in Edinburgh in 2021. Although that operation brought a period of renewed freedom, further health complications last year caused Carol-Ann’s kidneys to fail once again, leading to her tragic death.
Wishes
Before the UK’s current ‘opt‑out’ system came into effect, Carol‑Ann had made her wishes clear: She wanted to donate her organs.
However her father, Seán this week remarked that the process was far from straightforward.
“Carol-Ann was an avid supporter of organ donations, having been through the process herself; and we knew these were her wishes,” he explained.
“When the horrifying sudden death came, we as a family, with her wife Shauna, where devastated. Because Carol-Ann had made her wishes clear before getting married, it took the doctors a while to find the paperwork which was under her maiden name of O’Neill rather than McCullagh, which was eventually found.
“Although Carol-Ann knew what she wanted, loved ones are still able to override wishes in, what is understandably, a time of extreme grief.
“Luckily, we knew her wishes but others may not – so having the chat with family around is vital.”
Beautiful
Sean described Carol-Ann as “our beautiful daughter, a wonderful person who lit up a room,” and spoke movingly about the difference her transplant had made to her life.
Seán said, “Prior to the transplants Carol-Ann would have went through night-time dialysis and was tired and limited in her activities. Post-transplant Carol-Ann’s life was made exponentially better.
“She was able to fully engage with family and friends, plan days away and holidays where possible, not having to worry about dialysis or hospital appointments. In short, Carol-Ann was able to live a free life.
“Those were the best times for her and for all of us as a family who got to see the real Carol-Ann.”
But the relief was short-lived.
“The year before her death, Carol-Ann received the devastating news that her kidneys were once again failing, placing her back on dialysis. It didn’t stop her though, filling all her free time with activities and time with loved ones. Even if it left her drained, it was never seen as hard work. We are now left with memories of better times.”
Determined
Despite their grief, the family were determined to ensure Carol-Ann’s wishes were respected.
“Since Carol-Ann’s passing we have now been on the two sides of organ donations,” Seán said.
“The team, who were amazing, guided us through the process, helping us to let go. When word came through that Carol-Ann’s liver donation was a success, it gave us an immense pride.
“We had honoured Carol-Ann and our beautiful daughter had given someone a better life. This one act had brought a glimmer of light into the darkness which enveloped us and, returning the kindness previously shown to us when at our lowest ebb, has shown us how it feels to be both recipient and donor.”
Seán’s message is simple but urgent: Talk about organ donation before tragedy strikes.
“Have the conversation before it’s too late – and help save someone else’s life,” he said.
