News

This December, it's time to gather your family and friends, work colleagues, school pupils, youth groups, or local club members, and don your best (or worst!) festive Christmas jumpers! By participating in Christmas Jumper Day, you'll be raising vital funds to support MS Ireland and help provide essential services for people living with MS.

The Unthinkable Happened 

Never have I ever broken a bone, until last week. I went to the freezer to fetch some frozen chips, tripped on a step because I didn’t lift my bad leg high enough, and landed on my good leg. Since I was carrying a pre-prepared ice pack, I didn’t put my hands out to break the fall. I tried doing some yoga moves to get up off the kitchen tiles. Table position usually works, but not this time. Both my legs were too sore. Eventually, with my family’s help, I somehow got off the ground. I’m so glad it wasn’t captured on video! 

Awareness Week is set to take place from the 18th – 24th of November. 

This is a national campaign which promotes the benefits of going to college, helps students of all ages to become college-ready and showcases local role models.

MS Ireland has launched the "Your Vote Matters" guide for the upcoming general election, helping voters and candidates engage on key issues for people affected by MS. The guide offers questions to ask candidates, aiming to foster awareness and policy commitment on topics like healthcare access and workplace inclusion. For details, see the full manifesto here.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe is conducting a national assessment of assistive technology provision in Ireland, at the request of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth. As part of this important initiative, WHO is inviting assistive technology users, their families, carers, and supporters to participate in online focus groups to share their experiences and insights.

Join us on Zoom on November 21st at 12:30pm for a research update from Clara Stein and Prof. Jessica Branham, who will discuss their latest findings on the role of cognitive reserve in MS. For more information, register here, scan the QR code below or contact Alison Cotter at alisonc@ms-society.ie

With the General Election on November 29th, it is important for people living with MS to prepare. An Comisiún Toghcháin notes that applications for postal voting close this Sunday, 10th November 2024 and Tuesday, 12th November is the last day to register or update your details for in-person voting.

To assist, MS Ireland has developed a comprehensive voting guide to help navigate the process, covering registration, postal voting eligibility, and accessible voting options. Access our guide to ensure your voice is heard and your vote counts. Download Your Vote MatterS Guide 2024

Launched at the National Conference on November 7th, this impactful animation by ATU graduate Gerry Gallagher vividly portrays MS fatigue and other hidden symptoms. Now available to view, it aims to foster understanding and connection for those affected by MS.

Watch the video below:

Join the FutureNeuro Research Ireland Centre for their first 'My Moving Brain' event promoting brain health awareness and inclusivity in sport on November 16, 2024, from 1.30pm at Blackrock College, Dublin.

Hi, I am Orla Marron, the MS Readathon ambassador. I am excited to share that I will be reading and fundraising from the 1st of November to the 15th of December. I will be doing this alongside my children, Kyle and Katie, and their classmates at St. Michael’s National School in Donaghmoyne, Co Monaghan.

By picking up a book, you will not only enjoy a great story, but you will also be helping to raise funds to support the 10,000+ people living with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland. There is still plenty of time to join us and make a difference—register here: MS Readathon

You can read my story below or watch a short video here where I discuss my MS journey and the importance of the 2024 MS Readathon.