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Over 9,000 people are currently living with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland. These individuals face a plethora of broad ranging symptoms, ranging from the visible, such as tremors, speech difficulties, issues with coordination and balance; to the invisible, such as fatigue, pain, depression, anxiety and cognitive disruptions.To coincide with World MS Day this 30th May 2022, MS Ireland in partnership with Novartis Ireland, are pleased to present this unique collection of original artworks, created exclusively by people living with MS.

From paintings, digital illustrations, freestanding sculptures and creative video content, the artists have utilised their chosen format to illustrate the symptoms they experience and the impact on their lives. The collection explores themes of bodily integration, self-image and changing identities with a palpable vulnerability that invites viewers to consider the artist’s perspective. It is hoped this self-reflexive examination raises awareness of the sheer diversity of potential symptoms by providing insight into the reality of living with MS.

The exhibition is open to the public from Thursday 26 May to Wednesday 1 June inclusively in the main foyer of Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute on Pearse Street, Dublin.

World MS Day 2022 took place on Monday May 30th and the theme of this year's campaign was 'Connections'. To coincide with World MS Day  MS Ireland in partnership with Novartis Ireland, held an Art exhibit The Art of MS – Symptoms Under the Spotlight’ featuring 12 original works of art created by people living with MS in Ireland.

We had some brilliant ambassadors sharing their stories on what life is like living with Multiple Sclerosis all of which you can now read and listen back below.

Once COVID-19 lockdown was over, I swore that I was going to get back into the swing of things and life on the Outside. All those months of tracksuit and facemask wearing were over! I had watched pretty much everything on Netflix. I did get a dose of the virus but thankfully, it wasn't as bad as I had feared. Lockdown had taken its toll in general though- both physically and mentally. I still can't say the words "home schooling" without shuddering.

In an effort to reduce costs and with the passing of our Constitution in 2016, we are now able to send AGM notices to you by email.  However, we need you to consent to the furnishing of the accompanying AGM financial documentation via our website instead of by post.  Please complete the webform at the bottom of this page.

We would like to thank those members who have already consented to being provided with the AGM financial documentation via our website. 

This week's MS and Me blog, Willeke tackles the subject of MS and Obesity:

Obesity.

BMI.

Not words anyone above a certain weight wants to hear.

Including yours truly, especially when uttered by others who appear as fit as a fiddle, have an ideal weight and who are not on a long list of medicines.

I know. I've been there.

Exploring the experiences of anxiety in people with MS (PwMS) - study findings so far.

Anxiety can be loosely defined as ‘worry about unpredictable future events.’ Given the unpredictability of MS, it stands to reason that anxiety in people with MS (PwMS) can be a common experience. For example, we know that roughly 25% of PwMS experience “clinically significant” anxiety, which can have a number of negative impacts on people’s daily lives.

The proportion of PwMS experiencing anxiety may have increased further during the Covid-19 pandemic, however less is known about the factors that may help ease the experience of anxiety in MS.

 MS is always present and always different.

The chances are that you know someone with Multiple Sclerosis . Yet you probably don’t know that no two People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) have the same combination of symptoms. This makes MS a uniquely difficult condition to address. Similarly, you might be unaware that MS is the most common disabling neurological condition amongst young people, it can strike at any age.

Over the last couple of years, COVID-19 has added to these challenges. This is because most of the therapies used to treat MS work by suppressing the immune system, making PwMS more susceptible to complications if they contract COVID-19. Despite this, the MS Community has risen magnificently to overcome the difficulties caused by COVID-19.

PATIENTS DESERVE BETTER – NEUROLOGY NURSES CAMPAIGN

The Neurological Alliance of Ireland is the umbrella organisation for neurology patient organisations in Ireland. MS Ireland as members of this organisation have been supporting the Patients Deserve Better Campaign which aims to highlight the lack of neurology nurses across the country. Ireland requires further 100 neurology nurses in order to address unacceptable waiting periods, delays with diagnosis and treatment. Neurology nurses, including MS nurses play a crucial role in the care of people living with neurological conditions.

The VHI Women's Mini Marathon is taking place on Sunday September 19th. Like last year, this year's event will be a virtual event where you can complete 10km anywhere you like. The Mini Marathon is one of the most popular and important fundraisers for MS Ireland and over the year's 100's of inspirational ladies have clocked up 1000's of kilometers raising vital funds for the 9,000 people in Ireland living with MS. You can register your interest in taking part today.

One such person who has taken part in the Mini Marathon, a whopping 13 times is Deirdre Flynn. Deirdre was diagnosed with MS in 2019 and below she tells us about her diagnosis experience and why she is taking part in this year's Mini Marathon.

MS Ireland launches dedicated resource ‘Understanding MS@Work’ for people living with MS and their employers to become more informed on the daily impact of MS. 9 out of 10 people with MS say the pandemic has helped steer conversations with their employers about the benefits of working from home long-term.

• New research among MS Ireland members reveals impact of COVID-19 on employment, and how working life with MS can be better understood by employers
• 80% of people with MS say the way they work has changed as a result of the pandemic
• Although 85% say their employer knows they are living with MS, more than one-fifth (21%) of respondents cited ‘lack of understanding / empathy’ as the issue that most impacts their working life