At 30, with three daughters and a new house, Roisin Foley was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. She discussed her experience with Dave Fanning on The Ryan Tubridy Show on RTÉ Radio One.
"I think I was a bit in denial for a few months.
"The hand started to change shape and I was thinking maybe oh it’s winter time, it might get better in the summer but it wasn’t changing and then when I noticed the left hand began changing also, that’s when I realised there was something going on."
Roisin began to lose her fine motor skills and the everyday tasks she had taken for granted like writing her name or brushing her girls’ hair suddenly became mammoth undertakings.
After her results were analysed, Roisin’s family went to the doctor with her to hear her diagnosis.
"(The consultant) said it was a progressive neurological condition that eventually would lead to paralysis of most of the body but that because I’m young and I’m 30, it could progress slowly…"
They added: "You could live for up to 10 years you know or you could die very quickly on the other hand."
Roisin’s family took the day off work and all went home together to try and process the news. She said, "It was like looking in at your own funeral… everyone hugging me and crying and yeah it was very surreal."
Despite her diagnosis, Roisin is upbeat and expresses a positive outlook on life. She continues to practice meditation and mindfulness on a daily basis and says it greatly helps her coping skills trying to come to terms with her illness.
"Tomorrow is not promised to anybody really you know. Even though you’re given this life expectancy or this diagnosis or whatever, nobody knows what’s round the corner so that really kind of hit home after only a few weeks ago really."
This week people are fundraising for the charity following their 'Drink Tea for MND' event, the global day of recognition of ALS/ MND.
Roisin has taken part in many 'Drink Tea for MSD' parties which are being held this month and she is keen to promote the cause as widely as possible, having received so much help and support herself. Roisin says this has helped her get on with her days with as much positivity as possible and to stay strong and philosophical about her condition.
To find out more about the campaign and how you can help, click here.
