Katie O’Loughlin – Galway | MS Journeys
For Katie O’Loughlin from Galway, World MS Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness and keep hope alive for the future.
“Living with MS is unpredictable, challenging and tiring, but it’s still living and MS has taught me so much in how to truly appreciate life and what’s important.”
Katie was diagnosed with MS in 2020, at a time when her eldest child was still a baby. Her diagnosis came after a major relapse and changed her life in ways she is still learning to navigate.
“I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2020, a moment that changed my life in ways I’m still learning to navigate.”
MS has changed how Katie thinks about life, energy and what really matters. She says she is less stressed, more grateful and more conscious of how she spends her energy each day.
For someone newly diagnosed, Katie’s message is one of reassurance, kindness and hope.
“Don’t despair because life doesn’t end with a diagnosis. There is still joy and meaning. MS sucks but life doesn’t. Be kind to yourself above all else.”
Katie describes her family and friends as her rock. Her husband, wider family, friends and clients have all supported her through difficult days and helped her continue to live well with MS.
MS Ireland Galway Branch has also provided valuable practical support, including fatigue management, physiotherapy and help with her medical card application.
“MS Ireland Galway branch have helped me massively with their fatigue management programme.”
Now that her children are a little older, Katie says she is beginning to look outward more and is excited to connect more fully with the wider MS community.
One of the things that has surprised her most about living with MS is how, after an initial period of grief for the future she thought she had lost, new opportunities have begun to open up.
“I want my kids to see that life has many gifts and that some gifts may appear in your life despite and even because of hardships.”
Fatigue remains Katie’s biggest daily challenge, along with heat intolerance and symptoms including weakness, brain fog, vision problems, nerve pain and migraine.
“My biggest daily issue is fatigue. That is where I struggle the most.”
What helps her manage physically and emotionally is rest, reduced stress and the strength of her support network.
Katie says she is most proud of her family and of keeping her business going through everything, even if she has had to scale it back.
“My family are my whole reason for being.”
She is also keen to challenge the misconception that MS can be judged from the outside.
“MS is often an invisible condition.”
Her message to others living with MS is simple and heartfelt:
“Just be kind to yourself. It’s not in your head. You need to rest. Go rest and come back at it stronger. Seek out treatment quickly and advocate for yourself.”
Katie is also taking on the MS Ireland Arctic Challenge in January 2027, something she says is deeply personal. With her children now a little older and strong support around her, she feels ready to make plans for herself again and take on this opportunity of a lifetime.
“I’ve always loved a challenge. My body and my diagnosis isn’t going to stop me doing this challenge.”
The challenge is also linked to her family history. Katie’s grandfather had MS at a time when treatment and support were far more limited, and his story remains a powerful motivation for her.
“I want to honour that fight, but also be part of a future where MS doesn’t have to take so much from people and families.”
For Katie, taking on the Arctic Challenge is about far more than adventure. It is about proving to herself what she is capable of, setting an example for her children and helping raise vital funds for MS Ireland.
Katie’s story is one of honesty, determination and hope, showing how support, resilience and purpose can help people continue to live fully while navigating life with MS.