Dublin City Council has introduced a citywide awareness programme to mark Organ Donor Awareness Week (16–23 May), emphasizing the crucial nature of organ donation and urging individuals to discuss their donation wishes with their families. Organized by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in partnership with the HSE's Organ Donation Transplant Ireland (ODTI), the annual campaign is being supported by various local initiatives.

At the heart of this year's campaign is the personal experience of John Kelly, a father of two and a long-standing employee of Dublin City Council who received a life-saving liver transplant earlier this year. Now on the path to recovery, John is sharing his journey to spotlight the transformative power of organ donation and the essential family discussions that facilitate it.

John, who joined Dublin City Council in 2005, underwent his transplant operation in March after a lengthy and complicated battle with liver disease. He spent more than two years on the transplant waiting list and endured numerous setbacks before receiving the life-saving call.

"I got my own life back," John said. "I'm incredibly grateful to my donor and their family. Their decision has given me the chance to be here for my family and to enjoy everyday life again."

To provide a prominent visual tribute for Organ Donor Awareness Week, Dublin City Council is lighting up prominent civic buildings in green—the international colour representing organ donation—from dusk until dawn. The illuminated properties include the Mansion House, Dublin City Hall, and the Civic Offices at Wood Quay. The local authority is further backing the campaign internally through employee engagement strategies, installing information stands in staff canteens and utilizing internal communications to foster conversation across the workforce.

Commenting on the initiative, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said, "Organ donation is about life, hope and the love people show for others they may never meet. By lighting our civic buildings in green and supporting this campaign, Dublin City Council is standing with families whose lives have been changed forever by organ donation. John's story brings home the reality behind the statistics, that someone is alive today because another family made a deeply generous decision at a time of great loss. We want people across Dublin to talk to their loved ones and to share their wishes, because those conversations can save lives."

John, who is originally from Dublin 3 and now resides in Sandyford, expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, especially his partner Sandra, alongside the empathy shown by his work colleagues throughout his illness. "Organ failure affects the whole family," he said. "The support I received made a huge difference when I needed it most."

As his recovery progresses, John intends to return to his role at the council later this year and remains dedicated to using his personal story to motivate others. "Having a donor card is important, but what really matters is telling your family your wishes. Don't leave your loved ones in doubt."

To find out more about Organ Donor Awareness Week or to learn how to request an organ donor card, visit www.ika.ie/donorweek