Christmas miracle for Tipperary boy following life-changing kidney transplant

Finn O'Shea and his mother Lisa. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

A nine-year-old boy from Co Tipperary will celebrate Christmas away from the shackles of his kidney disease, thanks to a life-changing transplant from an organ donor.

When he was just six-weeks-old, Finn O'Shea was diagnosed with underdeveloped kidneys. 

Since then his childhood has been marked with frequent hospital visits, to Crumlin and Temple Street hospitals, and numerous medical challenges.

Up until his transplant earlier this year, life was very difficult for Finn, his parents Eoin and Lisa, and his older brother Rian, whose lives all resolved around the uncertainties of his condition. 

According to Finn's mother, Lisa, he has "missed out on so much of a normal early childhood". There have been lengthy absences from school, and less opportunities to spend time with kids his own age.

Finn as a patient.

"For over two years, up until his transplant, Finn was connected to a dialysis machine throughout the night for 10 hours at a time, for six out of seven nights a week. 

"He struggled to keep food down, and regular sickness and tiredness was the norm. 

"A kidney donor has literally changed his life," she said.

In February, after a lifetime of sickness, Finn was called to CHI Temple Street for his kidney transplant that was made possible by a donor family. It marked a turning point in Finn's health and allowed him to embrace life, engage in activities and his passion for sport.

According to Lisa, Finn's recovery post-transplant has been "remarkable".

"He is now back at school enjoying spending time with his friends. 

His bedroom was once like a hospital with his dialysis machine and supplies for his nightly dialysis treatment, but now it is decorated with photos of his sporting heroes," she said.

Just six months after his transplant, Finn was given the opportunity to be mascot for his favourite team, Manchester United, when they played Athletic Bilbao at the Aviva Stadium.

"He was overjoyed to be invited to walk out on the pitch with his Manchester United football heroes," said Lisa, who thanked the Make a Wish Foundation for making it happen.

"It was another special day in a year of blessings that he will never forget."

The O'Sheas at the Aviva Stadium. Rian, Finn, Eoin and Lisa.

Finn's brother Rian had been sitting his Leaving Cert mock examinations when the 10-year-old got the call for the transplant. 

“When I think back on the challenging times, Rian’s support and understanding was unwavering. Hospital appointments and prolonged absences from home became a routine part of our lives," Lisa said. 

"Seeing my older son stay strong and selfless during tough times makes me proud of him and really shows how resilient he was through the challenging times when Finn’s illness demanded much of our attention and time. 

"It makes you aware of the silent sacrifices made by the siblings of sick children."

Finn with his brother Rian.

But according to Lisa, the "ultimate selfless sacrifice is that which organ donor families make to help families like ours."

"We will never forget their ‘gift of life’”, she added.

Commenting on Finn's transplant, Irish Kidney Association chief executive Carol Moore said: “It is wonderful to see how Finn is now thriving and his story demonstrates how a whole family can be impacted when a loved one is sick, and what positive life altering changes transplantation brings.

“We must never forget these special families, who in their darkest moments, so generously donated their loved one organs so people like Finn could enjoy a happy and healthy Christmas with their families," she concluded.