A young musician has told how a sudden rash that broke out while he enjoyed a pint with pals “changed his life in the blink of an eye”.
Dylan Moran was out enjoying a casual drink with friends on November 8 when he was rushed to hospital after breaking out in red spots all over his skin. Doctors quickly discovered his kidney function was plummeting, and after two days of investigation, the Cumbernauld guitarist was diagnosed with a rare and unpredictable kidney condition – IgA Vasculitis.
The 24-year-old explained: “I just thought it was my asthma flaring up. I had stomach pains and a sore throat, amongst other things, that I just shrugged off. Then, one minute I was having a pint with my pals, and the next, I was in hospital, covered in red spots. They were everywhere. My life was changed in the blink of an eye.”
Within two days of being admitted to Monklands Hospital, Dylan’s diagnosis was confirmed. “The diagnosis came as a real shock. It was scary,” he said. “They don’t have much information on combating it, and the treatment is trial and error. When you hear doctors saying the treatment is 50/50 on whether it will work, it’s a real shock to the system.”
Dylan is now undergoing intensive chemotherapy, dialysis, and taking a “crazy amount of pills” as his medical team works tirelessly to treat him. Despite this, his health remains unpredictable. Dylan said: “My kidney function was getting better, and then it started dropping. It’s forever changing.
“The physical and mental toll has been immense. There were times when I was so upset because I struggled to do things like getting in the shower. It’s been a lonely struggle because my immune system is compromised. Even when I have been around people, there have been times where I just felt horrible because it was like everyone saw me as this vulnerable person.”
However, Dylan’s determination to give back to the hospital that is saving his life has fuelled an ambitious fundraiser for after the New Year. Together with his band The Dead Cinderellas – who he has been unable to play with since the diagnosis – they have organised Moran’s Charity Bash. The gig at Stereo in Glasgow on January 10 will raise money for the Renal Unit at Monklands.
Dylan continued: “The staff at Monklands have been unbelievable. They’ve bent over backwards for me. My consultant, Dr James Miller, even left his kids’ nativity to come and help me. I knew I had to do something to support these amazing people.
“I would love to perform on the night, but it really depends on how I’m feeling. My dream is to perform one song at the end, but even just attending the show would mean everything to me.”
The fundraiser has already exceeded expectations. “The response has been amazing,” Dylan said. “My favourite ever band, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, shared our fundraiser on their story, which was surreal. People I haven’t seen in years have messaged me offering support. It’s been unbelievable.
“All of this support has picked me up so much. It’s given me the drive to push my limits, fight this illness, spread awareness of IGA Vasculitis, and raise funds for the staff who have worked so hard for me. I feel like I’ve missed out on so much already with the band because of being in hospital, but having this goal has been a huge boost.”
Tickets are on sale now, with all proceeds going to the Renal Unit at Monklands University Hospital. Donations are also welcome on Dylan’s GoFundMe page.
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