Dublin Couple Benefit From Three-Way Kidney Exchange

Why this is here: Elena Fitzpatrick lost over a stone in weight to qualify as a donor in the paired exchange scheme, demonstrating her commitment to finding a solution for her husband.

Keith Fitzpatrick and Elena Fitzpatrick of Dublin, Ireland, shared their story during Organ Donor Awareness week. Keith, 45, received a life-saving kidney transplant in Belfast City Hospital as part of a three-way exchange involving hospitals in Ireland, England, and Scotland.

Diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease in December 2022, Keith initially faced dialysis while awaiting a compatible donor. Elena, 39, immediately offered her kidney but they were not a match, leading them to the kidney paired exchange program.

After nine months, a pairing was found. On March 8th, 2025, Keith received a kidney from Edinburgh, while Elena’s kidney went to a patient in Manchester and a kidney from Manchester went to Edinburgh. Keith’s kidney function rose to 74 percent post-surgery, allowing him to return to work and family life.

The couple now advocates for organ donation, acknowledging they hadn’t considered it before Keith’s illness. They and their extended family now carry donor cards, hoping to encourage open conversation about organ donation. The long-term effects of the transplant remain under observation, but the family expresses gratitude for the second chance at life.