MS is the most common debilitating neurological condition affecting young adults in Ireland. Currently, 3 out of every 4 people diagnosed with MS are female.
Ireland’s annual opportunity to help ‘Kiss Goodbye to MS’ will run throughout the month of May with local and national events and activities. The campaign, run by Multiple Sclerosis Ireland, calls on individuals, workplaces and groups to Wear, Dare and Share to fund research and provide services for the more than 9,000 people in Ireland with MS:
- Wear red or hold a ‘red day’ at work
- Dare to get sponsored for an MS Ireland skydive or take part in our 9000 steps for MS event
- Share with friends and family to spread the word.
The campaign takes place in 15 countries who collectively aim to raise more than EUR 1.2 million to fund research into the cause and cure of Multiple Sclerosis. In Ireland, supporters can text KISS to 50300 to donate €4 and nominate others to take part. Other countries taking part include Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Multiple Sclerosis – meaning ‘many scars’- the most common debilitating neurological condition affecting young adults in Ireland. It affects the motor, sensory and cognitive functioning of the body and is usually diagnosed between 20 and 40 years of age. The impact of MS on individuals, their families and the community can undermine the resilience that is needed for individuals to remain purposeful and in control of their lives. Three times more women than men are diagnosed with MS. There is no cause or cure. For this year’s campaign, MS Ireland has 2 incredible ambassadors who are both living with MS. Ciara O’Meara, 32, a nurse from County Tipperary and Jenny Mangan, 25, from County Dublin who was diagnosed at the age of 23. These 2 inspirational women both have powerful stories about their lives living with MS.
Among other services, MS Ireland uses the funds raised to provide vital services that reduce the impact of MS including physiotherapy, general support services, and newly diagnosed seminars. Members of the public with any queries relating to MS are invited to call the MS Information Line 1850 233 233 which is available Monday- Friday 10 am- 2 pm. All calls are strictly confidential.
