A Co Down woman has opened up on her incredible journey of receiving three life-saving transplants.
Portaferry woman Megan Moore who was born with Alagille Syndrome received a liver and two kidneys.
Alagille Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, including the heart, liver, kidneys and eyes. The condition can cause significant liver damage, structural heart abnormalities and other health complications.
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Megan's life-saving transplant journey began at just six years old when she underwent a liver transplant in 2000.
Fourteen years later, in 2014, she received her first kidney transplant and in June 2024, she underwent a second kidney transplant thanks to a living donor, her aunt.
The Co Down woman said: "Due to my condition, I unfortunately needed a liver transplant when I was six years old. I was feeling okay afterwards, although I did have some complications.
"I know my mum and dad were told when I was born that I probably wouldn't make it past a certain age - multiple times.
"When I was fourteen, I required my first kidney transplant and in June 2024, I had my second kidney transplant, which my aunt very kindly donated to me."
Megan recalled the moment she received the life-changing phone call that a liver was available. She told: "It was just before Christmas and my family was with me. I didn’t know what to expect. When I got the call, I just sat on the stairs and cried. I was only six years old at the time."
Years later, as a teenager facing the need for a kidney transplant, Megan said: "I felt scared, but having been through a transplant before, I knew what was going to happen and I could deal with it. My daddy had just passed away at the time as well, so it was all very overwhelming."
When doctors informed Megan that she needed a second kidney transplant, her family stepped up. She explained: "Quite a few members of my family volunteered to be tested. My Aunt was the final match and we went through the living donor programme.
"When I realised she was a match, I cried because I didn’t think I would make it to my 30th birthday. There was sunshine at the end of the tunnel. Everybody was so happy for me!"
Expressing her thanks to the medical team who supported her, Megan said: "The Renal Unit staff at the Ulster Hospital are just fantastic. They helped me so much, especially, going through dialysis and getting the transplant while also dealing with my Dad’s passing."
Now, Megan is encouraging others to consider organ donation: "Organ donation can change somebody else’s life for the better. It gives them another lease of life and gives their family hope. It’s the best thing to do and I hope that by sharing my story, more people will be inspired to consider becoming donors."
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