Life-saving transplant green light for brave Drumquin girl

THERE was joy, relief and plenty of emotion in one Drumquin household on Friday when the call finally came: 10-year-old Cora Connolly has been given the green light for the life-saving kidney transplant she urgently needs.

After months of waiting, Cora’s family received confirmation that her transplant operation will take place on April 21, with her father Ryan set to donate a kidney and give his daughter what her mum describes as “the gift of life”.

Speaking to the Tyrone Constitution newspaper after another hospital visit in Belfast yesterday (Tuesday), Cora’s mum Ashlene said the news has filled the family with hope.

“We met with the surgeon to finalise everything for April 21, so now everything’s good to go. We’ve got the green light and the countdown is on,” she said.

“It’s great to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

Cora, who celebrated her 10th birthday in February, has faced an incredibly challenging journey over the past two years. Her medical story began when routine blood tests revealed reduced kidney function.

After months of scans and investigations, a biopsy last June confirmed she had stage 3b chronic kidney disease, which has since progressed to stage 4.

Doctors told the family that a kidney transplant would be needed within six to 12 months.

Despite everything, Cora has continued to show remarkable courage.

“She’s doing well,” Ashlene explained. “She can perk herself up when she has somewhere to go, but she’s always tired afterwards.”

There are mornings when the fatigue means she arrives late to St Joseph’s Primary School in Drumquin, but the determined youngster continues to live as normal a life as possible.

Her mother says Cora has been nothing short of inspirational.

“She has honestly been the most amazing wee warrior throughout this journey, and I know she’ll continue to be on April 21,” Ashlene said.