A Family's Second Chance: The Power of Organ Donation in Saving a Young Life

Asmae Rayyan's voice trembles as she recalls the devastating diagnosis of congenital nephrotic syndrome for her youngest daughter, Jasmine, who was born with a severe kidney condition. For five years, Jasmine's life was a constant battle, with hospital visits, grueling treatment, and a sense of helplessness that weighed heavily on the entire family. However, a miracle happened when Jasmine underwent a kidney transplant at CHI Temple Street, thanks to an anonymous donor family. This life-changing event not only transformed Jasmine's life but also brought the family back together, allowing them to rediscover a sense of normalcy.

Key Takeaways:

• Jasmine, a six-year-old girl, was born with congenital nephrotic syndrome, a severe kidney condition that required her to spend most of her life in hospital.
• The family's nightmare began when Jasmine's eyes were always puffy, and she was constantly feeding but never gaining weight, leading to multiple visits to the GP and eventual diagnosis by consultant nephrologist Dr. Clodagh Sweeney.
• Jasmine underwent albumin infusions, had one kidney removed, and transitioned to haemodialysis (HD) three times a week, but the treatment was grueling, and she would often scream during the dialysis process due to pain and discomfort.
• The family had to reorganize their lives to facilitate Jasmine's treatment, and Fuad was screened for living donation, but didn't progress far due to high blood pressure. Asmae was screened and was preparing to donate a kidney to Jasmine.
• In August 2024, a life-changing call came, and a kidney was available for Jasmine, which was a success, and she was able to drink a full bottle of water for the first time.
• Jasmine's transplant has been life-changing, giving her the chance to go back to school, play with her sisters, and even learn to swim. Her appetite has improved, and she has a more varied diet now.
• The transplant has also brought the family together again, allowing them to rediscover a sense of normalcy. The other daughters had to grow up quickly, learning patience, compassion, and how to wait their turn.

Statistics:

• Jasmine was born with a severe kidney condition, congenital nephrotic syndrome, and spent most of her life in hospital.
• For five years, Jasmine's life was a constant battle, with hospital visits, grueling treatment, and a sense of helplessness.
• Jasmine underwent 12-hour overnight treatments at home for peritoneal dialysis (PD).
• She was five years old when her second kidney was removed, and her fluid intake was restricted to just 100-200ml per day.
• Jasmine's transplant was a success, and she was able to drink a full bottle of water for the first time.
• The transplant has been life-changing, giving Jasmine the chance to go back to school, play with her sisters, and even learn to swim.

Sources:

• Irish Kidney Association (IKA) - Organ Donor Awareness Week 2025 campaign "Don't Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt" organized by IKA with support from the HSE's Organ Donation Transplant Ireland (ODTI) office.
• ika.ie/donorweek/ for more information and to get a donor card.