The Hallowian 2020: Vol II - Flipbook - Page 19
Phoebe O’Connell
Shares her experience
Phoebe O’Connell (Class of 2017) has a changed
outlook on life.
Caitlin Cronin
Future Olympian
Past Pupil Updates
Elite rower and AHSister Caitlin Cronin (Class of 2012) is exceptionally talented. Caitlin
joined Rowing Australia’s Hancock Prospecting Women’s National Training Centre in
Penrith at the end of 2016, while also studying Chemical Engineering at The University
of Queensland and rowing full-time. Caitlin rowed in the U23 Women’s Quadruple Scull
at the World Rowing Championships in Rotterdam in 2016. In 2017, she was named in
the Women’s Quadruple Scull for World Rowing Cups II and III, with her crew winning
silver and bronze medals that year. In 2018, Caitlin was again selected for the Women’s
Quadruple Scull. Caitlin participated in the World Rowing Cup III in Lucerne, Switzerland
in May 2020 and now has her sights set firmly on the Tokyo Olympics. Best of luck,
Caitlin! We will all be cheering for you!
When Phoebe was 18 she contracted a near-fatal
bout of the ‘Y’ strain of meningococcal disease and
lost the function of both her kidneys, in addition to
the ability to walk and use her hands. Over several
months, Phoebe had to undertake therapy to regain
her mobility, and also dialysis, which was arduous due
to severe pain and her other medical complications.
Phoebe’s mother, Katy, offered to donate one of her
kidneys and fortunately testing showed that she
was a compatible donor. Phoebe says the transplant
made her mature very quickly as she had to take
responsibility for herself and not risk the wonderful gift
she had been given.
Phoebe now focuses on what is most important. As
Phoebe says: ‘I really appreciate how great it is to be
able to do what you want without health issues’. She
is so grateful for her All Hallows’ friends who have
‘always been there’ and made her believe all would be
well.
‘Sometimes I look back at my 17-year-old self and I
don’t recognise myself. I lost my hair and so much
time but I gained so much more insight, especially
into others who are struggling. I’ve seen how ill and
depressed people in need of an organ can be, and I’ve
seen how an organ transplant can change your life, so
I’ve become a passionate volunteer for DonateLife and
talk to schools about sharing my experience and the
importance of organ donation. It really does change
lives.’
“I’ve seen how an
organ transplant can change
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The Hallowian | 2020
your life, so I’ve become a passionate volunteer”