Irish sisters share unique bond through living organ kidney donation

Emma O'Connor, mother of two, donated a kidney to one of her sisters four years ago. Louise Cowman, who is a mother of twins, was in need of a kidney transplant and her sister Emma was an excellent match.

Louise has a hereditary kidney condition (PKD) which one of her sisters and their dad also suffer from. Their dad received an organ donation from an anonymous donation after being on the transplant list.

Louise suffered preeclampsia with her twins which sped up the decline of her kidney function. However, through careful management, Louise staved off dialysis treatment and was just about to begin this treatment when the living donor kidney transplant went ahead.

Louise and Emma spoke as part of Organ Donor Awareness Week, organised by the Irish Kidney Association.

For organ donor cards Freetext DONOR to 50050.