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Sunday, 21st March 2010

Brave Michaela loses her battle

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Published Date: 09 January 2007
CREGGAN woman Michaela McKinney, who was waiting for a heart and lung transplant while campaigning for people to sign to the donor register, finally succumbed to her illness on Sunday.
By Claire Allan

The 34 year old, who had spoken to the 'Journal' on many occasions about her congenital heart condition, was given just three weeks to live last June.
Although she was taken off the transplant list at that stage, as she was too ill to survive the procedure, she never gave up hope. And she always continued campaigning for more people to sign up to the donor register.
Yesterday her husband Michael told the 'Journal' Michaela had "died in peace and with dignity".
"Her family were around her, and that is exactly what she wanted," he said.
Michaela's Requiem Mass will take place this morning at10am from St. Mary's Church, Creggan. Michaela is survived by her husband Michael, her parents Michael and Mary McFadden, her sister Amanda and brother John.
SDLP Leader and Foyle MP, Mark Durkan, expressed his deepest sadness at Michaela's death.
"Michaela was a very brave young woman whose great courage inspired everyone who knew her. She was so dignified in her battle against ill-health, but sadly, what we all feared has come to pass. My deepest sympathy and thoughts are with husband Mickey, parents Mickey and Mary, sister Amanda, brother John, and all the other members of her family at this very sad time.
"Michaela's courage and strength touched the hearts of many in Derry. It was also there for all to see when she went public last year about her condition as part of a campaign to raise awareness of organ donation and to encourage more people to sign the Organ Donation register.
"It would be a fitting tribute to Michaela if we all considered signing up to the register. Indeed, by doing so, we could help bring life to others in receiving donor organs for transplantation, as well as hope to many others on waiting lists across Northern Ireland," he said.
The staff of the Derry Journal would like to pass on our sincerest condolences to the McKinney and McFadden families.

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