Margaret McCarthy – Roscommon | MS Journeys
For Margaret McCarthy from Roscommon, World MS Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the many different stages of MS and to offer encouragement to those who may be struggling.
“It is an opportunity to highlight the various stages that can be encountered and provide encouragement and support to those who are struggling.”
For Margaret, living with MS has meant learning tolerance, adapting constantly and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
“I am constantly adapting and always endeavouring to have a positive attitude to life.”
She says MS has changed her life in profound ways. Although she now lives with permanent immobility and dependence on others, she remains focused on the pleasures life can still offer.
“I am permanently immobile and dependent, but still able to enjoy many pleasures of life.”
For someone newly diagnosed, Margaret’s message is one of hope and perspective.
“Realise that your world has not ended but changed. Live your life to the full and engage in your community.”
The support of family, friends and the local community has been very important throughout her MS journey. Margaret values being treated as she always was, and appreciates the connection that comes from meeting others living with MS.
“Continuing to be treated as before… it is a learning experience to meet with others living with MS, whether in person or online.”
MS Ireland has also played a meaningful role in her life, particularly through the growing range of online supports and information available.
“The increasing number of online courses and information are invaluable.”
For Margaret, being part of the wider MS community is about shared ideas and connection.
“I am cognisant that I am part of a much wider community.”
One of the things that has surprised her most about living with MS is the lack of awareness around disability and accessibility.
“The failure of the wider community to recognise barriers created by disability.”
Among the biggest challenges she faces are pain and limited mobility.
“Pain and lack of mobility.”
What helps her manage her MS is the support of family and carers, along with her medical team and access to MS Ireland supports.
“Family and carer support, a good medical team and the ability to consult MS Ireland staff.”
Margaret is proud of what she has achieved while living with MS, including her role as National Welfare Officer at Tesco Ireland and helping to secure funding for research, as well as receiving the Dún Laoghaire Cathaoirleach’s Award with her husband in 2023.
“I was delighted to help secure substantial funding for research and to share the Dún Laoghaire Cathaoirleach’s Award with my husband.”
She would also like to challenge misconceptions about MS.
“MS is not fatal or contagious.”
Her message to others living with MS is simple:
“Go for it.”
Margaret’s story is one of resilience, realism and determination, showing that even with significant challenges, it is still possible to find meaning, connection and enjoyment in life.
Margaret’s MS Diagnosis Journey
