Deirdre Murphy – Cork | MS Journeys
For Deirdre Murphy from Cork, World MS Day is important because it is a chance to make sure people living with MS are seen, supported and understood.
“To know and show that we are seen. To support each other and to give hopefully to others.”
For Deirdre, living with MS means living with unpredictability.
“Every day can be very different, one day you can feel great and the next you can be exhausted and your body hurting.”
That uncertainty has shaped her perspective in meaningful ways. She says MS has made her more aware of what matters and more appreciative of the good things in her life.
“I have learned to be more aware and grateful for the good things in my life, not to take things for granted.”
For someone newly diagnosed, Deirdre’s message is one of hope and encouragement.
“That there is hope. Medicine has improved so much and is improving all the time so things have gotten and will get better.”
The support of family, friends and her wider community has been hugely important throughout her MS journey. For Deirdre, knowing that help is there, and knowing that it is more than okay to ask for it, has brought reassurance and comfort.
MS Ireland has also played a role in her life, particularly as a trusted source of support and practical guidance.
“It can be a great source of information.”
Being part of the wider MS community means a great deal to her. At its heart, it is a reminder that she is not facing this alone.
“Knowing I’m not alone in all of this.”
One of the things that has surprised Deirdre most about living with MS is discovering that she can live with it and still live well. She speaks honestly about the fact that MS is difficult and challenging, but also with determination about refusing to let it define her.
“That I can actually live with it. Like the saying goes I have MS but MS doesn't have me.”
She says living with MS has encouraged her to take greater care of herself physically, emotionally and mentally, and to focus on living as well as she can.
“I’ve learned the importance of exercise and diet and taking care of myself emotionally and mentally.”
Deirdre is open about the challenges she faces, including symptoms that can change from day to day.
“MS affects everybody so differently it leaves your own body a bit of a mystery to yourself sometimes.”
She says looking after herself gives her a sense of control and supports both her mental and physical wellbeing.
Asked what she is proud of having achieved while living with MS, Deirdre’s answer is deeply personal and powerful.
“I am very proud of the fact that I am still here and that I am happy.”
She is determined to keep focusing on the good things in life, even during difficult moments.
“There are too many good things in life, too many reasons to be happy and keep going and I focus on those things, even at the worst of times I know that there are always good times ahead.”
Deirdre is also passionate about challenging the misconception that there is a particular way a person with MS is supposed to look.
“MS is an invisible illness for most people a lot of the time, there isn't an actual look attached to it, as with many other conditions.”
Her message is simple and heartfelt:
“You can't know what's happening to a person internally so don’t guess or judge, just be kind and respectful.”
To others living with MS, Deirdre wants to send a message of hope, encouragement and possibility.
“That there is life with MS, that you can still live a full and happy life.”
Her story is one of honesty, positivity and determination, and a reminder that support, self-care and hope can help people keep moving forward.
Deirdre's MS Diagnosis Journey
