Kelly and The May 50K Challenge
“Not only will taking part in this challenge help support the vital services provided by MS Ireland, but from a health viewpoint it will also really benefit those taking part. I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the May 50K Challenge by registering at https://www.themay50k.ie
“I was officially diagnosed in November 2023, after two and a half years of not knowing what was going on with my body. Before the official diagnosis the words multiple sclerosis was said to me a lot. I knew very little about it and had started researching it, just to prepare myself some bit. Below you can read or watch the video interview with Kelly.
Interview with Kelly Ryan
I wanted to raise awareness for MS. I realised not many people know or understand what MS is and how prevalent it is in Ireland. I was one of those people until a friend of mine educated me a little, not long before my own diagnosis. I also wanted to feel a sense of community in a way to help me accept my diagnosis.
I was officially diagnosed in November 2023, after two and a half years of not knowing what was going on with my body. Before the official diagnosis the words multiple sclerosis was said to me a lot. I knew very little about it and had started researching it, just to prepare myself some bit.
When I got the diagnosis, I remember being so relieved that I finally had an answer, and then extremely overwhelmed. It was a range of emotions in such a short space of time, but it felt like I had been sitting in the neurologist’s office for hours.
It’s still a range of emotions on a daily basis but understanding that grief plays a big role after getting a diagnosis like this helps a lot.
Massively. I’m still going through the motions of grieving my “old” body and it’s capabilities, and trying to accept the unpredictability of MS. When the doctors and nurses are preparing you for what’s to come in terms of treatments/new symptoms/side effects etc, they don’t prepare you for the mental struggle and loneliness that comes with it.
I started the challenge with the goal of raising €250. As I’m writing this it has gotten to €2,203 in just 4 days. With those insanely generous donations, I’ve received so many amazing messages of kindness and support. I’ve never felt so loved.
I’ve also received messages from old friends, my own age, who have also recently been diagnosed with MS, and some of the people also involved with the charity.
I struggle every day not to cry at how I’m surrounded by the most generous, thoughtful, and caring people. It feels a lot less lonely now for sure.
I will be taking part in the challenge by walking in, and dragging as many friends and family along with me as I can!😂