We are thrilled to announce that long-time MS Ireland advocates Karen O’Shea and her partner Tony Carroll from Glenville, Co Cork have been selected as finalists in the prestigious 2014 Crystal Clear MSD Health Literacy Awards.
Karen and Tony have been nominated in the Best Health Communication through Journalism category for their 'MS, Motherhood and Me' article, one of 17 finalists featured on the shortlist. The article appeared in The Irish Independent in October of last year.
Karen was approached by the newspaper to write an article following a talk she gave to fellow journalists on her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis her and Tony's experiences of living with the condition.
"The aim of the article was to reach out to those who have been newly diagnosed with MS, by telling our story and the impact of MS on our family, as often the loved ones emotions are overlooked," said Karen. "Our story begins with the diagnosis, our fears, coming to terms with MS, and how we have moved on with our lives," she added.
Karen and Tony are well-known in the MS community in Cork for their willingness to speak openly about the challenges a relationship can face following an MS diagnosis. Their positivity and determination to be honest about the highs and lows of life with MS is a credit to their individual characters and the strength of their relationship.
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