'Always something to be grateful for': Carlow woman with MS says it gave her appreciation in life
Emma Byrne from Graiguecullen is sharing her story as part if MS Ireland’s World MS Day 2026 campaign.
A Carlow woman with multiple sclerosis has opened up about the challenges of living with the disease while sharing how it gave her more appreciation for life.
Emma Byrne from Graiguecullen is sharing her story as part if MS Ireland’s World MS Day 2026 campaign.
Since her diagnosis six years ago, Emma says she has become deeply grateful for the things many people may take for granted.
Shortly after her diagnosis, Emma became really weak, unable to walk, cycle, or drive for two months.
One of the things that has surprised Emma most is her own determination to get back walking and to travel as much as possible, both in Ireland and abroad.
To help manage her MS physically and emotionally, Emma cycles every day, brings her dogs for a walk, keeps in regular contact with friends and draws great strength from her 15-year-old daughter.
“She keeps me going,” Emma says.
The local MS community has been a source of reassurance for Emma.
She says it helps to know that other people can relate to the feelings, symptoms, worries, joys, hopes and fears that come with MS.
Emma is proud of what she has achieved while living with MS.
When she was diagnosed, she was in the middle of a BA Honours degree in English and History.
Despite extreme worry, financial pressure, parenting on her own and dealing with weak legs at the time, she completed her degree and went on to work in Carlow SETU as an Education Support Worker.
In September 2024, Emma fell at work and broke her right hip bone.
Although she has been out of work since then, she has continued to keep going by cycling, bringing her dogs out with her mobility scooter, going to tennis, meeting friends and writing books.
Her message to others living with MS is simple: “There is always hope and always something to be grateful for.”
Emma’s advice to someone newly diagnosed is to take life one day at a time and to talk to trusted people, whether friends, relatives, counsellors or others.
She also encourages people not to dwell only on the negatives, saying: “Life’s too short as it is.”