World MS Day initiatives to feature Many Stories Letter Writing Campaign

To mark World MS Day, our member organisation MS Ireland launched a letter-writing initiative, supported by Novartis, to provide a platform for those living with MS to share their unique diagnosis stories. They have are kick started this campaign by sharing six powerful letters, written by members of the MS community. 

The Many Stories campaign letters are available to read here 

MS Ireland had a full program for World MS Day on May 30, under the theme of 'Diagnosis.' This global event aims to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and provide a platform for individuals affected by MS to share their unique diagnosis stories.

• Letter-Writing Initiative: The MS community write letters about their MS diagnosis experiences, sharing them on social media.
• Information Event: Discussions on the uncertainty of MS diagnoses, featuring experts in neurology and psychology, and personal stories.
• Dip for Diagnosis Campaign: Encouraging 10,000 people to take a dip in water all over Ireland to symbolise the 10,000 people living with MS in Ireland.
• Annual Coffee Mornings: Hosted at the MS Care Centre Dublin and further events throughout Ireland.
• Leinster House Briefing: Presentation of the 'My MS My Needs' survey findings to raise awareness among elected officials.
• Lighting of Heritage Sites: Illuminating sites across Ireland in red to show solidarity with the MS community.

This year’s campaign encourages people living with MS to write letters about their diagnosis experiences. These letters can be addressed to their past or future selves, family, healthcare providers, or policymakers, offering a personal perspective on the emotional challenges faced during diagnosis.

Ava Battles, CEO of MS Ireland, stated, “World MS Day is a powerful reminder of the journey faced by over 10,000 people living with MS in Ireland. This year's theme, 'diagnosis', underscores a critical and deeply emotional milestone for many.

“To mark this, we are launching a letter-writing initiative, supported by Novartis, to provide a platform for those living with MS to share their unique diagnosis stories. We are kickstarting this campaign by sharing six powerful letters, written by members of the MS community. We encourage our community to join in, express their thoughts on their own social platforms, and tag MS Ireland on social media at 9:30am, 1:30pm, or 5pm on World MS Day.

“In the lead-up to World MS Day, MS Ireland will hold a briefing at Leinster House to highlight the findings of the 'My MS My Needs' survey. 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.

“We are also hosting an information event, supported by Novartis, to explore the uncertainty that often accompanies an MS diagnosis. This event will feature expert insights from neurology and psychology as well as a personal perspective on moving forward in life after challenges, including an MS diagnosis.

“We are also hosting a Dip for Diagnosis on World MS Day all over Ireland and we are hoping to get 10,000 people to Dip for Diagnosis to represent the 10,000 people living with MS in Ireland. We are asking people to join us for a Dip on World MS Day – whether it’s a dip in the sea, river, lake, pool or a cold shower and raise funds and awareness for vital services for the MS Community.”

MS Ireland will also host various events all over Ireland, including the annual coffee morning at the MS Care Centre in Dublin. Heritage sites across Ireland will light up in red to show solidarity with the MS community on World MS Day. 

ENDS