Patricia and Brenden O’Reilly:

Brenden O’Reilly was first a patient at The Prince Charles Hospital as a baby in 1970. Thirty-six years later, he received a life-saving heart transplant at the very same hospital. That gift gave Brenden an additional decade with his loved ones – something his family will forever be grateful for. The care and compassion he received throughout his life inspired his family to support The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation through regular donations.  

In April 1970, Brenden O’Reilly was born at a healthy weight of 8 pounds 13 ounces, but he was just six months old when his mother Patricia took him to the doctors because she was concerned about his behaviour and wellbeing.

“He was very slow drinking his milk and would go to sleep often, still not finishing the previous one. Our GP found he had a very bad heart murmur, and we were referred to The Prince Charles Hospital for further investigations,” said Patricia.

Following testing, Brenden was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot – a congenital heart defect where four conditions affect the structure of the heart.

“At that time (the early 70s), doctors weren’t performing surgery on this condition on infants, and he had to wait until he was 4 years old,” Patricia recalled.

“Those years were hard, as Brenden used to go blue frequently – lips, tongue, fingernails. He couldn’t walk far without being short of breath. But thanks to the care and support from everyone at Charlie’s, he came through the operation very well.”

Brenden remained in relatively good health throughout his childhood, but at 18 he began to experience further heart problems.

“He was diagnosed with a disease of the heart muscle, cardiomyopathy. He had his Wisdom teeth out and was very ill afterwards,” said Patricia.

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Brenden needs a heart transplant at The Prince Charles Hospital

It was at this time that Brendan was prescribed medication and told he would need a heart transplant in the future.

“Brenden had to change jobs because of his condition but worked the whole time in a new career…After some time his kidneys deteriorated, and a kidney transplant was suggested. Family and friends came forward, and a suitable donor was found,” said Patricia.

“At the same time, he was on the list for a new heart as things had become worse. The kidney transplant was postponed, and he had his heart transplant in 2006. He was 36.”

The Prince Charles Hospital is recognised as one of Australia’s leading heart and lung hospitals and is home to Queensland’s statewide heart and lung transplant services.

For Brenden, this specialist care meant the opportunity for more precious years with his family, supported by the same hospital that had cared for him since infancy.

Following his transplant, Brenden experienced further health complications, which were treated and managed, while he continued Dialysis for his deteriorating kidney function.

“Dr George Javorsky said Brenden was a model patient,” Patricia recalled.

Giving back for Brenden’s care

Gratitude for Brenden’s care became an important part of the O’Reilly family’s story.

When Brenden celebrated his 40th birthday, he chose to mark the occasion by giving something back.

“When Brenden turned 40, he had a party to celebrate. Instead of presents, he asked people to donate to The Prince Charles Hospital. We raised $3,000. It was a great result,” Patricia recalled.

Brenden received a decade with those he loved following his life-saving heart transplant.

Sadly, Brenden passed away in 2018 at The Prince Charles Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit, just weeks shy of his 48^th birthday.

“He had 10 years with his new heart and all of us are so grateful for the care, love, and support we received from everyone who cared for Brenden before and after his Transplant,” said Patricia.

“Dr George Javorsky was so caring and kind to me when Brenden passed away. I treasure his words… Thank you all who were part of Puddy’s life.”

For Patricia, the gratitude she feels towards the hospital has never faded.

Patricia gives regularly to the Foundation

In 2014, Patricia made another commitment to the hospital that had cared for her son throughout his life.

She became a regular supporter of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, choosing to make a monthly donation to support medical research and patient care.

More than a decade later, she continues to give.

Regular Giving allows supporters to contribute an amount of their choosing each month, making it a simple and manageable way to support a cause close to their hearts.

For the Foundation, this ongoing generosity provides a reliable source of funding, helping us plan ahead and invest in vital medical research, equipment and patient care initiatives at The Prince Charles Hospital and Caboolture Hospital.

For Patricia, it’s also a deeply personal way to honour Brenden’s life and help other patients and families.

“Please give generously to this great work. I will be forever grateful,” says Patricia.

Regular giving makes an extraordinary difference

As The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation celebrates 40 years of supporting research and patient care, stories like the O’Reilly family’s are a powerful reminder of the relationships that have shaped its history.

Chloe Nguyen, Chief Communications and Philanthropy Officer at The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, said Patricia’s story is a touching example of the generosity and gratitude that exists within the Foundation’s community.

“What moves me most about Patricia and her family’s story is that, after everything they have experienced, they continue to think about how they can help others.

“Brenden’s life was touched by extraordinary people at The Prince Charles Hospital, and through her regular giving, Patricia is helping make a difference for other patients and families.

“There is something incredibly special about that. It’s a reminder that philanthropy isn’t defined by the size of a gift, but by the generosity and heart behind it.”

Patricia’s story is just one example of the extraordinary impact made possible by people who choose to give regularly.

Every monthly gift is a commitment to the future of healthcare and to the patients and families who will need it.

And for Patricia, it is a lasting expression of gratitude for the care, compassion and extra time her family was given.

Become a Regular Giver

You don’t need to make a large donation to make a meaningful difference.

By becoming a Regular Giver to The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, you can choose an amount that works for you and help support vital medical research and patient care at The Prince Charles Hospital and Caboolture Hospital, month after month.

A small act of generosity today can help make an extraordinary difference tomorrow.

If you would like to learn more about Regular Giving, don’t hesitate to contact our team by phone on 1800 501 269, by email info@thecommongood.org.au or find out more here.