Voices of Boyle Podcast – Ep 5: Gordon Ryan

Welcome to Episode 5 of the Voices Of Boyle Podcast! 

I’m joined by Gordon Ryan in this episode. Gordon was battling Cystic Fibrosis from his early 20’s up until he received a last minute double lung transplant in 2013. 

A Life Changed by Diagnosis

Gordon opens up about his early life growing up in Cootehall and later going to school in Boyle. Diagnosed as a baby with cystic fibrosis, it wasn’t until his early twenties that the condition really began to impact his health in a major way. The conversation explores how things gradually worsened, leading to his eventual placement on the transplant list.

Life on the Waiting List

One of the most moving parts of the episode is Gordon’s description of what it was like living on the transplant waiting list, a limbo where your life feels like it’s on hold. He shares the emotional and physical challenges of day-to-day life at that time, including the uncertainty, the endless medical treatments, and the psychological toll it took.

The Gift of New Lungs

In 2013, Gordon finally received a double lung transplant. He speaks about the moment he got the call, the operation itself, and the difficult road to recovery afterward. There’s a real sense of gratitude and perspective in how he talks about this “gift from a stranger,” which inspired the title of the episode.

New Freedoms, New Challenges

Post-transplant life brought a whole new chapter for Gordon, full of hope, but not without hurdles. He speaks openly about complications, medication management, and what it means to live in a body that’s both yours and not entirely yours. Physiotherapy, check-ups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are now daily priorities.

Raising Awareness About Organ Donation

Gordon also shares his views on the importance of organ donation and the need for more awareness. The conversation touches on Ireland’s current opt-in system and the possibility of moving to an opt-out model, as other countries have done. He points out the dramatic drop in transplants during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lasting effect that had on people waiting for life-saving operations.

Reflecting on Boyle and Community

Throughout the episode, there are lovely nods to Boyle, memories of the hot air balloon festivals, community life, and shared moments with Carlo from their school days. Gordon’s connection to home is never far from the surface, even as he speaks about time spent in hospitals in Newcastle and Dublin.

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This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in health, resilience, and the power of organ donation to change lives. Gordon’s story is both sobering and inspiring, and his honesty makes it a truly memorable addition to the Voices of Boyle series.

🎧 Listen now to Gift From A Stranger on all podcast platforms or visit www.voicesofboyle.com