Mother meets man who was saved by her son’s heart

THERE was a very special family reunion at yesterday’s ceremony to celebrate 485 added years of life given to 25 members of the Irish Heart and Lung Transplant Association.

Sitting with Andrew Kavanagh from Coolock, Dublin, who became a heart transplant recipient 23 years ago, was the woman who made it all possible.

Jean Russell from Balbriggan, Co Dublin, whose only son David, 19, died in May 1986 when he and his friend were killed by a drunk driver near Gormanstown, Co Meath.

“David told me he wanted to donate his organs so I knew what to do after his life support machine was switched off,” said Jean.

Andrew was the same age as Jean’s son when he received the transplant. He had contracted a flu-like illness that had stopped the natural development of his heart.

Jean, who has two daughters, met up with Andrew after her son’s first anniversary.

Andrew had published a memoriam in a newspaper after learning by chance that David was the donor.

“When I met Andrew it gave me great satisfaction because I knew I had done the right thing in donating David’s organs,” she said.

“We kept in touch over the years and when he met his wife, Lorraine, I went to the wedding.”

Andrew and Lorraine have a daughter, Lindsay, who is 20 years old.

Lorraine said Jean’s generous act in donating her son’s organs had made it possible for another family to exist. “We really do regard Jean’s family as an extension of ours,” she said.

Andrew, said he remained in good shape and cycled into work during the week — a round trip of more than 10 miles.

“It is really a good news story. Because of Jean, I was able to meet Lorraine and have a wonderful daughter like Lindsay,” he said.

Association chair Brendan Gilligan, who received a heart transplant seven years ago, said the ceremony in the Mater Hospital Dublin was to recognise members like Andrew who had survived 15 years and longer after having a transplant.

“It is really to highlight the success of organ transplantation and the need for more donors,” he said.

Mr Gilligan said they wanted people who are thinking about organ donation to take the next step and carry an organ donor card.