Dáithi MacGabhann, the young Belfast boy waiting for a heart transplant for more than six years, wants the energy to laugh, run around and the play like a normal child, his father said as he urged people to have a discussion on organ donation.
Father Máirtin, speaking on Organ Donation Discussion Day, said the eight-year-old’s health is declining as the boy now uses a wheelchair and relies on oxygen at home.
💗 Our home game on Wednesday, 11 December, will be Organ Donation Discussion Night!
— Belfast Giants (@BelfastGiants) December 9, 2024
If you're heading to the game, be sure to stop by the info desks on The Bridge to find out how and why you should sign up to become an organ donor on the NHS Organ Donation Register. ✍️
We can… pic.twitter.com/N5ScGcwMs9
Dáithí, from Ballymurphy in west Belfast was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and has been waiting for a transplant since 2018.
His family successfully campaigned for a change in the law that allowed organ donations unless the deceased has specifically recorded it should not happen, or a next of kin objects. Donate4Dáithí raises awareness about organ donation.
“Words can save lives. That’s the reality of organ donation, and for Dáithí, those words are his best chance,” Mr MacGabhann said.
“Dáithí’s health is getting worse, and it’s heart-breaking to see him understanding more of his reality. All he wants for Christmas is to be like his friends—to have the energy to laugh, run, and play like any normal 8-year-old.
“This Organ Donation Discussion Day is a chance for us all to share our organ donation decision with our loved ones. Whether it’s over breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even in the family group chat, reminding our families of our wishes is so important.
“At the end of the day, loved ones have the final say on organ donation, and that’s why sharing your decision could save up to nine lives. Please, for Dáithí and so many others waiting, have that conversation today.”
Organ Donation NI said families will always be consulted if organ donation is a possibility but “it is important to leave them certain about what you want.
“The best way to do this is by recording your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and having a conversation,” the organisation said.
“Only 50% of families agree to donation going ahead if they don’t know what their loved one wanted, but this rises to 90% when their decision is known.”
