'Life shouldn't stop you because you are sick' says Tipperary father awaiting kidney op

Francis Hogan from Tipperary at the newly opened Munster Kidney Support Centre in Wilton. Pictures: Chani Anderson

Francis Hogan’s father’s death after complications from a transplant is a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing life as he prepares to undergo the same operation.

The Tipperary businessman says at 47 years' old he is now at the same stage of disease his father was before receiving a kidney more than 20 years ago. His father was 49.

Francis, who has polycystic kidney disease (PKD) — a hereditary illness which causes the kidneys to enlarge and lose function overtime — recently defied the odds after cycling the Ring of Kerry despite having a kidney function of just 10%. 

Francis recently took part in the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle to raise funds for the Irish Kidney Association.

The father of five, who undertook the challenge as part of the annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, was joined by fellow cyclists from Upperchurch Drombane cycling club. The group participated in the event to raise vital funds for the Irish Kidney Association.

Francis, who achieved the feat just two days before starting dialysis, explained why fitness was so important to him.

“My dad had a kidney transplant but passed away the day after. The transplant was a success but they had to put him under to reduce his potassium levels and that was when his heart gave way. I was 24 at the time. Fitness wouldn’t have been a big thing for my dad, whereas I am driven to be as fit as possible. 

"When you know you’re going to end up on an operating table then you want to be right. You also have to continue living. It’s horrendous that people with the same condition as me feel they can’t do anything. If I’m walking down the road with my son and we feel like jumping into the river, then we’ll jump into the river. Life shouldn’t stop because you are sick.” 

Francis described why making it on to the transplant list was a positive step forward.

“These are different times. I was in limbo for a long time because I wasn’t on the list. Even though I had the right kidney function there were other medical complications. Luckily, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Now, I’m one day closer to getting a kidney every day. 

"I don’t have faith but when I meet a person and they say they are going to pray for me I am grateful for that. I meet a lot of people through my work. Some of them might not know me but they know my story and it’s always nice to hear those words of support.” 

Cork support centre

Francis is the picture of resilience when speaking to the Irish Examiner at the newly opened Munster Kidney Support Centre in Wilton. 

Located within walking distance of Cork University Hospital, the facility provides day facilities and overnight accommodation for kidney patients and their families and carers. All services offered by the facility are free of charge.

Accommodation includes six ensuite bedrooms, along with a recreational hub.

A spacious garden is also proving popular among patients and their families to offer a break from the clinical hospital environment.

Francis Hogan: 'The biggest side-effect I have is fatigue. I don’t have the energy I had before. However, I’m not sitting down and watching the world pass by me.'

With just days into peritoneal dialysis — which performs the same function as the kidney — Francis is already benefitting from the centre as he undergoes dialysis training at Cork University Hospital.

He praised the work of the Irish Kidney Association for promoting donation in Ireland. The 47-year-old is also keen to raise awareness of the cause.

One thing I’d really like to raise awareness of is the living donor kidney transplants because this can also be an option. 

He spoke about how a friend recently stepped up to be screened as a potential donor.

“She rang me asking me how she could go about donating. I assumed she was talking about the fundraiser so I told her to visit the i-donate page. At that point she explained it was a kidney she wanted to donate. I was taken aback because it takes a certain outlook in life to want to do something like that. I was ignorant enough myself about it. 

"I advised her to speak to her friends and family about it so she could be really sure. Anyone considering donating needs to consider how this will affect their family because the donor is going to be out of action for a few weeks while they recover. 

"You also have to be careful that it’s not going to upset the person too much if they turn out not to be a match.” 

He pointed out the support that is available.

“There is great support from the Irish Kidney Association in this area too. Counselling is available. The likes of my friend who is considering giving a kidney would be able to benefit from support from them. It is there to be used and I hope people do use it. The support is available to both the families of people who are receiving and giving kidneys.” 

Francis is determined to make the most of life before his transplant.

“The biggest side-effect I have is fatigue. I don’t have the energy I had before. However, I’m not sitting down and watching the world pass by me,” he said. 

“It’s not that I am waiting to be given something so I can live again. I think that’s the mistake people make. You might as well live while you’re sick.” 

He is keen to be a positive role model to his five children including 22-year-old Daniel, Dale (17), Sierra (14), Byron (12) and Leon (9).

“My family has been very supportive but the youngest Leon is the probably the glue that is holding us together. He’s so affectionate and hugs me all the time.”