Multiple Sclerosis Ireland is pleased to announce that World MS Day 2019 will take place Thursday, May 30th to raise awareness and support people living with MS, the most common debilitating neurological condition affecting young adults in Ireland. The theme of World MS Day this year is visibility. The campaign will give a voice to everyone affected by MS to share their invisible MS symptoms and express what they want others to understand while challenging common misconceptions. For information on World MS Day events around the country please visit www.ms-society.ie
Ava Battles, Chief Executive of MS Ireland said, “While many people are aware of MS and the more visible, tangible symptoms that it can cause, the effects of MS can vary greatly from person to person and can often be invisible to those around them. Through our World MS Day activity, we hope to raise awareness around the less visible aspects of MS and how it can impact on the day-to-day life of a person living with the condition.”
Sharon Henvey, County Meath, has been living with MS the past 10 years and is the ambassador for this year’s World MS Day. She said “As someone living with Multiple Sclerosis for the past 10 years, World MS Day is a day that means so much to me and my family. It’s a day that shines a spotlight on the 9,000 people in Ireland living with MS and what life is like for us. The theme for this year’s campaign is visibility, which I think is crucially important, as some of the symptoms I experience are unseen. I do at times feel that my MS is invisible which can be hard to explain to friends and family, so hopefully, the campaign can create awareness of these unseen symptoms”
The MS Care Centre, the national respite and therapy centre for people living with MS, based in Dublin, will hold its annual World MS Day coffee morning from 10 am. On the day we are delighted to be cutting the ribbon on a new fully adapted minibus which was kindly donated by supporters of DunLaoghaire Golf Club Captains Day 2018. As part of the Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign, MS Ireland is encouraging people to take part in our 9,000 steps for MS event, which represents the 9,000 people in Ireland living with the condition. MS Ireland branches around the country will hold World MS Day events locally.
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 queries relating to MS you are invited to call the MS Information Line 1850 233 233 which is available Monday- Friday 10am- 2pm. All calls are strictly confidential.
