We look forward to a normal family life from now on
Meadhbh McGivern next to the Coast Guard helicopter at Strandhill, before the cancelled trip in July.
IT has been a turbulent year for us. Since Meadhbh was placed on the waiting list in August 2010 really. Things were so different this time last year. She was sick at Christmas — and house-bound. We were waiting on that phone-call. Christmas was tense — a time of anxiety — not enjoyment really.
Her pain increased — her condition deteriorated. Then July. The flight that never happened. We will never forget that. Unbelievable stuff. It was difficult to comprehend that in this day and age such a mishap could actually occur. It was addressed by two separate inquiries. The central recommendation was that a national aero-medical centre be established to co-ordinate the transport for transplant patients like Meadhbh and there would never be a repeat of this malfunction.
It was ironic that on the same day that Meadhbh was transferred back from Kings College Hospital to Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin, the centre was to be up and running — an agreement made collectively between all the parties concerned on the recommendations contained in the HIQA report. However, the HSE announced that this would not now be the case due to the recruitment embargo. I hope that this will come to pass soon. I would not wish for any family to have to endure what we did back in July. I most certainly would not wish for any transplant patient to miss their chance because of the same mistakes. It cannot be allowed to happen again.
Meadhbh got her transplant on the 15th of September, thanks to the kindness of a family and to the skills of an excellent surgical team. All the worry of past events are exactly that now — in the past.
Meadhbh is recovering well. She has not returned to school yet but is doing well with home tuition. Under the watchful eye of her consultant, Dr Ann Marie Broderick in Crumlin, I have no doubt that she will make a full and successful recovery and lead the life that she has so yearned for — that of a normal teenager.
When asked what she wanted most for Christmas, Meadhbh replied: “I got my present in September.” Her courage and strength throughout all of this has been remarkable. Through the dark times she was the light that kept us all going. It is hard to watch your child suffering and in pain — and deteriorating. She was named after Queen Meadhbh — the warrior queen of Connacht. She is certainly our little warrior queen and has proved it.
This time of year is a time for sharing and thanksgiving. To all who sent us good wishes, cards and prayed — thank you so much. It is hard to believe that our little girl’s plight touched the hearts of so many. That kindness will never be forgotten. A Mass has been offered for your intentions. All the medical staff in London and Dublin; and the Air Corps — a Mass has been offered for your intentions. May you always be protected, guided and kept from harm.
To the family of the donor who gave Meadhbh a new chance — a million thanks. We will always pray for you and your loved ones. I cannot over-emphasise enough the importance of organ donation. I ask that everyone who reads this take the time to consider becoming a donor. You can give the gift of life after yours.
Christmas will be good in the McGivern home this year. We look forward to 2012. We look forward to getting our life back together and enjoying a normal and stress-free family life from now on.
Most of all we look forward to a healthy and fulfilling life for our little warrior queen.
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