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KERRY sufferers living Motor Neurone disease shared their harrowing but courageous personal stories at a public information evening in the Killarney Plaza Hotel where information on what help is available was also outlined.
The event, organised by the Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone, was addressed by the charity’s Regional Development Officer, Marie Reavey, who gave a great insight into what supports are available, including home visits by MND nurses, providing financial assistance towards home care, the provision of specialised medical equipment and funding for counselling and research.
Kilgarvan native Alan MacDonnell Kerry gave a very moving account of his mother Mary’s seven-years battle with Motor Neurone Disease, after she was diagnosed in 2005. She passed away in August 2011. Alan said it was so hard for him and his father, Tom, having to watch what his mother was going through but he said they were full of praise for all that the IMNDA had done for them.
Rathmore man John O’Neill told the meeting of his wife Bridie’s association with MND which turned out to be a short illness. Despite her failing health, she did not let it curtail her love of holidays and travel and Bridie was active up to the end.
Those in attendance also saw a video presentation from Derrynane native John O’Donoghue, currently residing in Brisbane, Australia, who shared details of his Motor Neurone
journey.
Dr Dominika Leeseka, a speech and language therapist and IMNDA specialist nurse, Katie Kinsella, also addressed the meeting.
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