Rathangan Parents Share Baby Archie’s Story To Highlight Organ Donation

Tuesday, 13 May 2025 09:00

By Martin Osborne

Archie was diagnosed with Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome at just five weeks old after weeks of illness and hospital visits.

A young couple living in Rathangan are sharing the story of their nine-month-old son Archie’s battle with a rare kidney disease to raise awareness during Organ Donor Awareness Week.

Parents Shanice Murphy, 24, and Cormac Wall, 25 shared how their son Archie was born five weeks early in July 2024.

Archie was diagnosed with Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome at just five weeks old after weeks of illness and hospital visits.

He spent over seven months at CHI Temple Street, undergoing intensive treatment, surviving meningitis and sepsis, and having a kidney removed on World Kidney Day in March.

Now living in Rathangan to be closer to hospital care, Archie is finally home and thriving - eating solids, gaining weight, and hitting milestones.

Though doctors initially anticipated both kidneys would be removed before his first birthday, they are now holding off, hopeful that Archie can avoid dialysis until he is around two.

A transplant will be necessary, likely between the ages of five and six when he reaches a certain weight and height.

His parents hope one of them will be a suitable donor.

The family are hoping that sharing Archie’s story will encourage others to talk about organ donation.

“Archie’s name means genuine and brave. And he really has lived up to it. We’re so proud of him," Shanice said.

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