Forever grateful to reach another milestone
Transplant recipient marks 25th anniversary
By Kerrie Bolger Gardiner
“I didn’t think I’d get my life back.” Those are the words of Teresa Smyth when asked how it feels to mark 25 years since her kidney transplant.
What began as a virus resulted in her undergoing two years of dialysis after her kidneys were damaged; a story, she says, that many others share.
Recalling the day of the transplant, Teresa, from near Williamstown, said she wasn’t as nervous as she expected. She had gotten a call the previous January, but that opportunity had unfortunately fallen through. The following September, another call came, and this time the donor was a match.
“I went the second time and couldn’t believe it,” she recalled.
The first year after surgery brought its share of challenges, it was full of ups and downs. Despite this, Teresa persevered. “It was life-changing, not many people get the chance I did,” she explained.
Since the surgery, Teresa has made ..................
Read the full story in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops or buy our digital edition online here