Inspirational woman awaiting transplant

Gabija (Gabby) Zemgulyte, who lives in Cavan Town, is an inspirational and resilient 25-year-old Lithuanian native. Living with spina bifida, Gabby has been receiving hospital dialysis three times a week for three hours at a time for eight years, a medical treatment which commenced just before her 18th birthday.

Despite her challenges, Gabby passed her Leaving Cert exams and graduated from college.

She credits the dialysis nursing staff and patients at the Cavan General Hospital for being like a second family and providing the support she needs.

On her 21st birthday, while receiving dialysis treatment, the hospital staff presented her with a cake and flowers, which she said made her feel “very special”.

Gabby said, “This kind gesture highlights the importance of compassion and kindness in healthcare settings, and how it can make a significant difference in the lives of patients. It is a reminder that healthcare professionals can have a positive impact on the lives of their patients beyond just their medical expertise.”

Gabby’s positivity and resilience are an inspiration to other kidney patients, and she is always willing to lend a listening ear and offer support to them.

“I am committed to planning for my future and encourage other patients to do so also and not to give up hope,” Gabby says. “I think it's important to remain positive and I plan to set up my own reflexology business when I get my kidney transplant, I plan to do lots of traveling and make a visit to my relatives in Lithuania.

“I also plan to write a book about my life, facing the challenges of living with Spina Bifida and being a dialysis patient and pushing through! ”

Gabby is “truly grateful” for the support she has received from her grandmother Danute. She lived with Danute in Bailieborough before starting independent living in Cavan town and described her as “my rock”.

“Living on my own is something I had always strived for as I want to be independent, and thanks to my case worker Cathy for helping make this possible. People have been so kind to me and I would like to acknowledge the staff at Bailieborough Secondary School for their wonderful support.

“When I arrived in Ireland at the age of 12 I had no English and had to learn the language. I still go back to visit the secondary school from time to time and I am always greeted with a warm welcome.”

Gabby says the importance of organ donation “cannot be overstated”.

“Organ donors and their families who make that selfless decision to donate, give hope to those on waiting lists who are undergoing dialysis and other treatments. While waiting for a transplant, patients must take care of themselves and their mental health by availing of all the support they can get.

“I would encourage every person to support organ donation, and talk to their loved ones about their decision to donate if the unexpected happens, as organ donation saves lives.”

Gabby’s gratitude towards those who have supported her on her journey is evident, and she hopes to inspire others to remain positive and resilient, despite the challenges they may face.

“I firmly believe that with the right support, patients on transplant waiting lists like me can navigate their way through the waiting period and plan for a future that includes all the things they dream of. ”

Gabby hopes that by sharing it, she can increase organ donor awareness.

Under the recent Organ Donor Awareness Week, organised by the Irish Kidney Association in association with Organ Donation Transplant Ireland the public is being asked to share their wishes about organ donation with their families. This is underpinned in the awareness campaign slogan: ‘Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt, #LeaveNoDoubt’. Carry an organ donor card or download the donor card App and tick the box for organ donation on your driver’s license application which is represented by code 115.