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Irish Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Transplant patient's plan for mortgage, marathon, marriage and Master's after op
A woman who has had two kidney transplants after a lifetime of ill-health is now set for this weekend's mini marathon in Dublin. Jessie Doyle, 29, is not only in training for the big run on Sunday – she has also bought a house, is planning her marriage and finishing her university Master's degree. Jessie has revealed her mortgage, marathon, marriage and Master's schedule to highlight the crucial work of the Irish Kidney Association (IKA). She said: 'It's a full-circle moment. For so long, I couldn't plan for the future. Now I'm doing it all at once by running, graduating and getting married. I spent years being sick, staring out the hospital window, wishing I could just be outside walking. Now, I have that freedom, and I want to use it.' This June Bank Holiday Weekend, Jessie, who is from Westmeath but now lives in Santry, Co Dublin, takes on the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon for the very first time. A spokesperson for the IKA said Jessie's story is a 'powerful symbol of resilience and gratitude' that was made 'possible by her donors' and two kidney transplants. Despite years of illness and fatigue and unexplained symptoms, it was not until Jessie was 17 years old that she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore in Offaly confirmed the chronic kidney disease and revealed that her kidney function had dropped to 30 per cent. The next 12 years were filled with illness, dialysis treatment, her first kidney transplant at age 20 in 2016 and her second at age 27 in 2023. Jessie said: 'In school, I was often seen as an anxious child who was always unwell. It wasn't until I went to the doctor with abdominal pain that they discovered high protein levels in my urine which pointed towards kidney problems. I was still in school, doing my Leaving Cert. It was a really tough time. It was very isolating. I missed months of school, couldn't go out with friends, and often felt like nobody understood what I was going through. 'For my 18th birthday celebration, I had one drink and went home to bed as I was feeling exhausted. I started dialysis after completing my Leaving Cert and by then my kidney function had fallen to 12 per cent.' Hospital dialysis meant Jessie delayed university and registered to go on the kidney transplant waiting list. After her first transplant, Jessie said it took 'three weeks for the donor kidney to begin working properly and I gradually began to feel energised'. She added: 'I felt like a different person.' After putting her life on hold for dialysis, Jessie was finally able to go to university to study Multimedia at Dublin City University (DCU). She also completed a Master's degree in Climate Change, Policy and Media – but her kidney function began to deteriorate in 2021. Jessie said: 'It was devastating to be back on dialysis. My renal consultant told me I could be waiting for up to four years for another transplant. 'It was a huge blow. I had only been on dialysis for four weeks. Then, that same evening, I received the call, there was a perfect match for me. I couldn't believe it, that my wait on the transplant list was so short.' Jessie's second transplant was successful. Unlike the first, the kidney began functioning immediately and she was discharged from hospital in just five days. She is now planning her future with her fiancé Aaron Hoey and the couple have just bought a house and are preparing for their wedding on September 6. A few weeks later, Jessie will graduate with her second Master's degree, this one in Visual Communications from TU Dublin. A spokesperson for the IKA said: 'Taking part in the VHI Mini Marathon is a powerful symbol of everything Jessie has fought to overcome. With her health restored, she is not only stepping up to the start line in Dublin city centre, she's also planning for two big events this September - her wedding in Kilkenny and to graduate with her second Master's from college.' There are over 2,500 people in Ireland receiving dialysis treatment and over 500 of them are on a waiting list for a kidney transplant. More information on the Irish Kidney Association is available on its website. Jessie told potential donors: 'You don't just give someone an organ, you give them their life back. I wouldn't be here without my donors. It's the most selfless act imaginable. I remain eternally grateful to my donors' families.'
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Former Skyview Drags enters partnership with World Drag Racing Alliance
TIOGA CENTER, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Skyline Motorsports Park in Tioga Center, formerly known as Skyview Drags, has entered a multi-year partnership with the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA), the park announced Friday. The scenic eighth-mile facility will be under new management going forward, with veteran track operator James Robinson leading the effort alongside George Coleman and Dave Gennett. Robinson has nearly 35 years of drag racing venue management experience across New York State. 'Robinson brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and vision to Skyline's future,' the release said. The original Skyview Drags only operated for 12 years, closing abruptly in 2018, and forcing local drag racing enthusiasts to drive to Syracuse or beyond to participate in the sport. In April 2024, the track was resurrected by a team of mostly volunteers under the name Skiview Drags led by an anonymous owner and track managers Pat Schrader and Gennett. WDRA director Jon O'Neal says the Alliance is excited to welcome Skyline Motorsports Park into the family. 'Having the Skyline racers in the WDRA will feel like a family reunion,' O'Neal said. 'I'm excited that a part of the new managerial goal is to bring a team to the Bracket Finals. The goal of providing a platform for racers and racetracks to prosper is not lost on Robbo and the new team.' The new schedule will include a variety of events and be more conducive to fans and racers alike. Friday fun and grudge Saturday Racing Shows Sunday WDRA points series No Prep Events & Special Features New: Points Racing Program moved to Sundays Car Shows, Tractor Pulls, and Diesel Races Jet Dragsters and Holiday Weekend Shootouts Monthly Wednesday Night Grudge Racing & test and tune Truck Nights and More For a look at the full schedule, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
