Shaping Research: Monica's Story
I truly wish to make a difference by improving patient outcomes, not only to the patients themselves but to their families as well
About me
My name is Monica Walsh, in July this year I celebrated my 70th Birthday. This milestone birthday is not something I thought I would reach 9 years ago, as on my actual 61st birthday I was diagnosed with liver cancer. Not only was this a devastating diagnosis, but I also had to cope with the fact that my mother had died aged 62 from completely unexpected and undiagnosed liver cancer.
My treatment options were very limited, and I found myself listed for a transplant 6 months later. After just 9 days, I received my transplant at Kings College Hospital, London. I recovered well and quickly.
How I got involved in research
I know just how incredibly lucky my journey has been and am only too aware this is so often not the case for others awaiting transplants. I subsequently became involved with the UKODTRN to help and take part in research that can hopefully go some way to addressing this issue, having had my successful transplant but also knowing how it feels to lose a loved one because there was no suitable donor available. I do my best to be involved in research projects where I feel I can bring my lived experience and knowledge gained to be of some use.
After about 12 months post-transplant I trained as a pre/ post liver transplant mentor at Kings, listening and sharing my lived experience with patients, their families, loved ones, and carers. I'm a current volunteer, fund raiser, and ambassador for the British Liver Trust. I give my time in a few different ways, including being invited onto a few NICE meetings as a patient representative and on the NHS Early Detection of Liver Cancer Expert Working Group.
One of my most pleasurable achievements post-transplant has been to attend the British Transplant Games for a few years running, something which on the day of being listed for a transplant I could never have imagined. Apart from the experience being such a personal goal for me, I was in total awe of the difference receiving a transplant has, and the incredible work done by the UKODTRN.
Why it matters
I truly wish to make a difference by improving patient outcomes, not only to the patients themselves but to their families as well. I would encourage anyone in a similar situation to also become involved with research; not only is it personally rewarding but I believe our involvement provides a very valuable unique resource to researchers.