Sometimes Silence Can Speak Volumes

Imagine not being able to say ‘I Love You’ this Valentine’s Day

Emma Can’t

 February is the month of love where couples from across the world openly celebrate their affection for each other. But imagine not being able to say ‘I Love You’ this Valentine’s Day. Most people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) can’t.  Between 80-95% of people living with MND will experience some loss of speech during their illness.

Emma Fitzpatrick is 47 years old living in Kinsale, Co Cork. She was diagnosed with MND in 2010. Since her diagnosis, Emma can no longer walk and is confined to a wheelchair. She can no longer speak and communicates mainly with the use of Eyegaze technology.

“This most cruel disease has taken with it the use of my upper and lower limbs. It has also taken my voice,” Emma Fitzpatrick. Emma met her husband Jonnie on the eve of Valentine’s Day 16 years ago. This year she will not be able to say the words ‘I love you’ to him or her two children, Kitty and Rowan.

This February we’re asking you to take on a sponsored silence to experience what it would be like to not be able to speak.  Stay silent for 30 minutes at work, school or even at home alone. During this time of reflection think ‘if today were the last day you could use your voice, what would you say?’ Share your last words with us on Facebook and twitter (@IMNDA) by using #Voice4MND.

All you have to do is pick a day, time and location where you will take on your sponsored silence. Sponsor cards are available from our office, just email fundraising@imnda.ie or you can text 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), then tell us what would be the last thing you would say if you knew you would lose your voice #Voice4MND.

Nominate friends and families to join you. Sometimes silence can speak volumes. Take on our challenge today. Don’t let Emma suffer in silence; don’t let her live without a voice.

The IMNDA provides specialised services for people affected by this debilitating disease such as equipment on loan, financial assistance towards home help, advice and home visits by MND Nurse. In order to provide these vital services the IMNDA depends heavily on the generosity of the public and supporters of the association who generate over 86% of its income.

ENDS

For more information please contact Derbhla Wynne or Maeve Leahy

(01) 873 0422 email pr@imnda.ie

Change your profile picture like Kitty – download our Banner and change your pic today!