‘Diagnosis’ is this year’s World MS Day theme

Those in Cork and beyond whose lives have been affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) can tune into a special webinar today as part of a national programme marking World MS Day.

Titled ‘My MS Diagnosis’, the webinar takes place at 7pm this evening, Thursday, will feature a panel of people living with MS who will share their personal diagnosis stories.

The webinar is hosted by MS Ireland which recently announced a full programme of national events leading up to World MS Day which falls on Friday. To sign up for the webinar, visit ms-society.ie.

MS Ireland is the national organisation providing information, vital services, and support to over 10,000 people and their families living with MS in Ireland today.

The theme of this year’s World MS Day is Diagnosis, something MS Ireland CEO Ava Battles said underscores a “critical and deeply emotional milestone for many”.

She said: “In the lead-up to World MS Day, MS Ireland will hold a briefing at Leinster House. This session is crucial for raising awareness among elected officials about the challenges faced by the MS community and garnering their support.

“We are committed to ensuring that the voices of those living with MS are heard and that their needs are met by our policymakers,” added Ms Battles.

MS Ireland will also host the Dip for Diagnosis event tomorrow across the country with an aim to get at least 10,000 people to take a chilly swim to help raise funds and awareness for vital services for the MS community.

Tomorrow will also see the launch of MS Ireland’s new podcast Living with MS with MS Ireland Ambassador Shirley Keane O'Brien who was diagnosed with MS a few years ago.

To keep the MS conversation going into the summer, for the next six weeks cinemas in Cork and across Ireland will feature a new 30 second awareness ad ahead of selected films. This nationwide campaign is designed to raise public awareness about MS and encourage more people to learn about the condition and the vital support available through MS Ireland.

MS Ireland provides a wide range of specialised services and resources on a national, regional, and local level, include regional community worker programmes for one-to-one support; physiotherapy; symptom management courses; and newly diagnosed sessions.

The charity also provides Ireland’s only national respite and therapy.