Waterford represented at Irish Kidney Association service of thanksgiving

Hundreds of organ donor families and transplant recipients congregated last week for the Irish Kidney Association’s annual service of remembrance and thanksgiving.

Frances Moynihan, Treasurer of the Waterford Branch of the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), along with her husband Joe, a fellow branch member, said they felt deeply humbled and honoured to represent Waterford at the 39th annual service.

The service took place on Saturday, October 12, at The Church of the Holy Child in Whitehall, Dublin 9, offering transplant recipients and their families a chance to reflect on the life-saving gift of transplants from both deceased and living donors.

Different faith communities gathered along with those with individual faiths and beliefs to participate in the deeply moving and profoundly respectful interchurch service.

Celebrants and the faithful from various congregations, and those whose lives have been profoundly touched by the gift of organ donation and transplantation attended. 

Remembered and honoured were living donors, and the selfless donors who in their passing donated organs onto others.

For the families of donors, it served as a poignant moment to honour the memory of their loved ones and the extraordinary gift they have given to those in need of organ transplants, such as kidneys, hearts, lungs, livers, and pancreas.

The multi-denominational service, which was described by Frances and Joe as "deeply moving and emotional", drew over 1,000 attendees.

It was organised and hosted by the national staff and board members of the Irish Kidney Association.

If you or anyone you know is living with renal disease and would like to access further information and support you can contact Head Office at info@ika.ie or franceswaterfordika@gmail.com