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Madeline O’Connor from Tralee wants people to take part in the Sponsored Silence campaign.
A TRALEE woman is hoping the public supports a Sponsored Silence Campaign this month organised by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
More than 80% of people living with MND will experience some form of speech difficulty during their illness – some will lose their voice completely. Currently there are 19 people living with MND in Kerry.
Madeline O’Connor (65) from Kerry is one of them. She was diagnosed with MND last April. The diagnosis devastated Madeline, she was forced to retire from work in the Eir Call Centre as her voice had deteriorated so much.
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“My voice got weaker and weaker and by the time I was diagnosed with MND in April 2020, my words were slurring,” said Madeline.
“What I miss most about losing my voice is being able to have chats with my daughter, Marie and conversations with friends,” said Madeline.
“If we could raise awareness of the needs of MND patients then it would be a wonderful confidence boost for us to go out into the community and enjoy life as normal,” she added.
This February the IMNDA are once again running their sponsored silence campaign #Voice4MND.
All they ask is that you stay silent for a minimum of 30 minutes so you can experience what it would be like to lose your voice. Imagine one hour, imagine one day, imagine one week without your voice. They want you to give up your voice so you can experience what it is like for someone with MND.
All you have to do is to pick a day and duration for your silence. Then maybe think if you had no voice for a day how would you communicate – by app, by pen and paper?
To sign up for the Sponsored Silence all you have to do is visit the website www.imnda.ie and fill out the online registration form. Spread awareness by sharing your sponsored silence on social media by using #Voice4MND. Nominate friends and families to join you.
You can also donate to the campaign by texting MND to 50300 to donate €2 (100% of text goes to IMNDA across most network providers. Some providers apply VAT which means a minimum of €1.63 will go to IMNDA. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline 076 6805278).
