Kilkenny woman: "I try to stay hopeful"

In October 2024, Hannah Dermody, a 30-year-old kidney patient from Freshford, County Kilkenny, who was thrust into the world of kidney failure at just 11 years old, spearheaded a successful darts fundraiser, that raised €7,075 for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA).

Hannah has been receiving nightly dialysis treatment for the past nine years following the failure of a kidney transplant she had received when she was 19 failed after two years.

Hannah’s family’s gratitude to the Irish Kidney Association for their continued support during her and other kidney patients' health journies was the inspiration for the fundraiser.

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Central to its success were professional darts champions Alan Soutar and Ricky Evans, who had travelled from the UK to play against local participants. Their presence brought excitement and star power to the fundraiser, thrilling fans young and old.

The fundraiser was hosted in her family’s pub, McGrath’s Bar, run by Hannah’s mother Philomena and her younger brother Jack. They, along with her other brother Sam, enthusiastically helped out on the event night.

Supporting Hannah in planning and organising the fundraiser was her older brother Paul, who, along with four of his friends – locals Niall Kenny, Ray Talis, Steven Farrell.

This was their third consecutive year to organise a darts fundraiser, with proceeds from the previous two events also supporting charitable causes – Kilkenny charity Teac Tom and the Motor Neuron Disease Association.

The fundraiser’s total proceeds were raised through sponsorship cards, an online fundraising platform, a bucket collection at the local MACE store, and a bucket collection and raffle on the event night.

"Since I was 11, my life has revolved around kidney disease," she said. "But I try to stay hopeful for a second transplant and make the most of what I can do."

Hannah, grateful for the generosity of locals towards the fundraiser, explained, "The community of Freshford was amazing and I want to thank them for their support and generosity. The funds raised will go towards the vital services provided by the Irish Kidney Association."

Hannah’s journey with kidney disease began at the age of 11 when high protein levels in her urine led to a diagnosis. Doctors discovered that she had only one kidney, which was functioning at just 30%.

During her teenage years, Hannah attended regular renal appointments and frequently stayed at St Luke’s and Crumlin Children’s Hospital. At age 16, she transitioned to adult care at Waterford University Hospital (WUH).

When her kidney function dropped to about 10%, she had no choice but to start dialysis to survive. In her late teens she began peritoneal dialysis (PD), a treatment she underwent every night.

In 2012, Hannah’s life took a positive turn when she received a kidney transplant.

She remains deeply grateful to the family of the deceased donor for their selfless gift. Unfortunately, the transplant lasted only two years, after which she had to return to dialysis.

For the past nine years, Hannah’s life has revolved around nightly PD treatments at home lasting up to 10 hours. These treatments have often been complicated by infections at the site where her PD line connects to her body.

As these infections persist, her renal team has prepared her for the possibility of transitioning to haemodialysis.

Unlike PD, haemodialysis takes place in a hospital three times a week, with each session lasting three to four hours. A fistula has already been inserted in preparation for this change in treatment.

When her recurring line infections are under control, Hannah hopes to be accepted onto the transplant waiting list, giving her hope for another chance at a better quality of life.

Despite these challenges, Hannah maintains a positive outlook. She works part-time in her local Loop café and helps out in her mother’s bar. 

Undeterred by the extra luggage of her PD dialysis machine, Hannah has enjoyed holidays provided by the Irish Kidney Association in their holiday homes in Kerry and Waterford.

For the past two years, her machine has accompanied her to Lanzarote, where she hooked up to it at night for her vital, life-saving treatment.

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Hannah’s story is a testament to the power of community, determination, and hope, inspiring others to rally around those affected by organ failure. 

There are over 2,500 people in Ireland undergoing dialysis treatme. 500 people are on waiting lisits for kidney transplants and approximately 100 more are waiting for other organ transplants including heart, lung, liver and pancreas.

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