Cork mum with MS: ‘We must tackle stigma’

A mother living with multiple sclerosis (MS) insists there should be more awareness of hidden disabilities so that people in Cork with conditions like hers do not feel stigmatised.

Louise Power, a mum-of-two, was diagnosed with MS ten years ago following the birth of her second child, though her symptoms began years earlier.

Now she is encouraging families, schools, book clubs, workplaces and groups of all ages across Cork to get on board and support the MS Readathon, which runs from November 1 to December 15.

Readers across the county collectively raised €16,826 in 2024, with Scoil Mhuire Ballincollig taking the top spot on the fund-raising front with their incredible total of €1,898.

Fatigue, pain and muscle weakness, as well as muscle spasms and brain fog, are among the symptoms Ms Power experiences, and on some days she needs a walking aid for mobility.

“I participated in the MS Readathon in school in the early 1990s – I had no idea what MS was at the time,” she said.

“But I was really driven by the idea that my reading and raising money would help someone else out there.”

The Cork woman said while her condition is debilitating and impacts many aspects of her life, by linking in with a community worker from MS Ireland, engaging with physiotherapy services, and talking to other people living with it, her quality of life improved.

“The services were a game- changer and made me feel like I’m not on my own – for me it was like a hug I didn’t know I needed,” said Louise, who is now based in Mayo.

“If you are newly diagnosed, no matter what age you are, a simple conversation with someone walking the same path means you can breathe that little bit easier.

“I owe a lot to MS Ireland in terms of the support they give me and the awareness they spread about the illness – with everything from physiotherapy and community groups to simple guides to help kids understand MS, helping make life a little easier.”

One of Ireland’s longest-running charity events, the MS Readathon has inspired a love of reading among young people across the country for the past 39 years.

After registering at msreadathon.ie, participants are encouraged to read as many books as possible between November 1 and December 15, while seeking sponsorship from family and friends.

These funds help support more than 11,000 people who are living with MS, along with their families, according to MS Ireland chief executive, Ava Battles.

“We are looking for schools throughout Ireland to sign up for MS Readathon and use our support materials to set reading challenges for pupils that will inspire their imaginations and create a positive habit that can last a lifetime,” she said.

“And it’s not just schools that share the joy of the MS Readathon – families, book clubs, workplaces and groups of all ages will be helping us to raise vital funds for essential services for the MS community in Ireland.”

For more information on how to register, go to www.msreadathon.ie.