Laura Barry – Waterford | MS Journeys
For Laura Barry from Waterford, World MS Day is important because it helps raise awareness and reminds people that not every illness is visible.
“World MS Day is important because it raises awareness that not every disease is visible.”
For Laura, living with MS means learning how to live with uncertainty while continuing to move forward.
“Learning to live with uncertainty while still choosing to keep going and not giving up.”
She says her diagnosis has changed her perspective in important ways, making her more resilient and more appreciative of the good days and the small things in life.
“MS has made me more resilient and more appreciative of the small things in life. It’s taught me to slow down, listen to my body, and not take the good days for granted.”
For someone newly diagnosed, Laura’s message is one of reassurance and hope.
“I would tell them that although an MS diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first, life is far from over. With the right support, treatment and mindset, you can still live a full and meaningful life.”
The support of family, friends and community has been hugely important throughout her journey. Laura says having people around her who understand and stand by her has made a real difference, especially on the harder days.
“My family, friends, and community have been incredibly important. Having people who understand, support you, and stand by you makes a huge difference on the difficult days.”
MS Ireland has also played an important role in her life. Laura raised funds for MS Ireland in 2018 and values the way the organisation helps people living with MS feel connected rather than isolated.
“In 2018 I raised funds for MS Ireland. They help people living with MS feel less alone and remind us that there is a whole community walking the same journey.”
For Laura, being part of the wider MS community brings comfort and understanding.
“It’s comforting to know there are others who truly understand what living with MS is like.”
One of the things that has surprised her most about living with MS is how different the condition can be from one person to the next.
“No two people are the same, and each person's journey with MS is different.”
Among the biggest challenges she faces are the invisible symptoms of the condition, especially fatigue and brain fog. These are not always obvious to others, but they can have a major impact on daily life.
“The invisible side of MS, like fatigue and brain fog, which people don’t always see but can have a big impact on some days.”
To help manage her MS, Laura focuses on staying as active as possible and looking after her mental wellbeing.
“Staying as active as I can, and focusing on my mental wellbeing all help me manage MS.”
One of the achievements she is most proud of is completing her first half marathon last year, something that meant a great deal to her personally.
“I ran my first ever half marathon last year, that was really a big deal for me.”
Laura is keen to challenge the misconception that everyone with MS will eventually end up in a wheelchair.
“MS affects everyone differently, and many people continue to live active lives.”
Her message to others living with MS is simple, encouraging and rooted in solidarity.
“You are stronger than you think, and you are not alone. There is a whole community of people who get you.”
Laura’s story is one of strength, resilience and determination. It reflects the challenges of living with MS, but also the importance of support, understanding and continuing to move forward.
Laura’s MS Diagnosis Journey
