Shirley Foley – Sligo | MS Journeys
For Shirley Foley from Sligo, living with MS means learning to manage uncertainty while continuing to say yes to life.
“Living with MS is a challenge as no two days are the same and the future is uncertain.”
While MS has brought challenges, Shirley says it has not changed who she is as a person.
For someone newly diagnosed, her advice is calm and practical:
“Don’t panic. Take your time to process your diagnosis and get your information from your neurology team, not Dr. Google.”
Family and friends have played an important role in her journey, supporting her and understanding that symptoms can change quickly.
MS Ireland has also been part of her life since diagnosis. She first connected through online physiotherapy-led classes and has since become more involved, helping to organise a sailing programme in Ireland for people living with MS.
Through her involvement with the Oceans of Hope Challenge, Shirley has built friendships with people living with MS around the world — a community she describes as her “tribe”.
One of the things that has surprised her most is that, even after 10 years of living with MS, she is still able to take part in many of the activities she enjoyed before diagnosis, although she now paces herself.
Her biggest challenge is the uncertainty around her future health.
What helps her manage physically and emotionally includes family, friends, sailing, community gardening, travel and staying active.
Shirley is especially proud of her involvement with MS Ireland and the Oceans of Hope Challenge.
She is also keen to challenge misconceptions about MS.
“Not everyone with MS will end up in a wheelchair.”
Her message to others living with MS is simple and positive:
“Live your best life and say yes to opportunities.”
For Shirley, World MS Day is important because it highlights that many people living with MS continue to live full and active lives.
Shirley’s story is one of positivity, connection and possibility, showing how people can continue to live fully while adapting to life with MS.
Shirley’s MS Diagnosis Journey
