Imagine an hour…a day….a week without speech. Imagine not being able to say ‘I love you’ this Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately that is the fate met by most people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Currently there are 15 people living with MND in Donegal.
More than 80% of those with the disease will experience some form of speech difficulty during their illness – some will lose their voice completely.
This February, the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) are running a sponsored silence campaign #Voice4MND.
“All we 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. We want you to give up your voice so you can experience what it is like for someone with MND,” a spokesperson said.
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?
Madeline O’Connor (65) from Kerry, has been living with MND since April 2020. In September she too had to retire from work, as her slurring voice made it impossible for her to continue her job in the Eir Call Centre.
“What I miss most about losing my voice is being able to have chats with my daughter, Marie and conversations with friends,” said Madeline.
To sign up for the Sponsored Silence just visit www.imnda.ie and fill out the online registration form. It’s that simple! 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).
