"You are not alone" - Waterford woman shares her journey living with MS
Laura Barry pictured in Abbeyside, Dungarvan. Picture: Howard Crowdy
With world MS day taking place tomorrow, Laura Barry from Waterford has shared her journey.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It cannot currently be cured, but treatment can often help manage it.
“MS has made me more resilient and more appreciative of the small things in life. It’s taught me to slow down, listen to my body, and not take the good days for granted" Laura said.
“My family, friends, and community have been incredibly important. Having people who understand, support you, and stand by you makes a huge difference on the difficult days.”
Among the biggest challenges Laura faces are the invisible symptoms of the condition, especially fatigue and brain fog.
“The invisible side of MS, like fatigue and brain fog, which people don’t always see but can have a big impact on some days.”
Laura says she is keen to challenge a common misconception about MS and the belief that everyone with the condition will eventually end up in a wheelchair. She wants people to understand that MS affects everyone differently, and that many people continue to live active and fulfilling lives.
“The reality is that MS affects everyone differently, and many people continue to live active lives.”
For someone newly diagnosed, Laura’s message is one of reassurance and hope.
“I would tell them that although an MS diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first, life is far from over. With the right support, treatment, and mindset, you can still live a full and meaningful life.
"You are stronger than you think, and you are not alone. There is a whole community of people who get you.”
Laura has previously raised funds for MS Ireland, and says that World MS Day matters because “it raises awareness, that not every disease is visible.”
World MS Day is marked globally each year on May 30 to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis, share lived experiences and recognise the strength, resilience and diversity of the MS community.
MS Ireland’s World MS Day 2026 campaign, 'MS Journeys: Many Faces, One Community', is ongoing, highlighting the many different experiences of people living with MS across Ireland.
