Louth Senator Erin McGreehan welcomed FND Ireland, an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), to the Oireachtas for a briefing last week.
At the briefing, Dr. Aoife Laffan, co-founder of FND Ireland, highlighted the importance of understanding FND, its prevalence in Ireland and the pressing need to expand therapies and enhance support services for those affected by this complex neurological condition.
Joining Dr. Laffan was Aimee Campbell, the Awareness Ambassador for FND, who bravely shared her personal journey as an FND sufferer.
Her insights provided a poignant perspective on the challenges faced by individuals living with FND on a daily basis, further emphasising the urgency for increased awareness and support.
Campbell, who is from Tullyallen in Louth, described her lived experience with FND, which made a significant impact at the briefing. She made a heartfelt and compelling presentation aimed at raising awareness and advocating for improved care for FND patients in Ireland.
Eamon McPartlin, the other co-founder of FND Ireland, also shared his story and the driving force behind the establishment of the organisation. His passionate advocacy for FND patients underscored the critical need for improved care pathways and resources to ensure better outcomes for individuals with this often-misunderstood disorder.
Senator McGreehan commented: “I was delighted to welcome FND Ireland into the Oireachtas this week for such an important briefing and truly touching presentations on the need for improved care for FND patients in Ireland.
“I feel the presentation at the Oireachtas was for many the first time they heard of the condition. It really served as an important moment in advancing the conversation around FND in Ireland and it was great to see the connections made and, in particular, the emails I have received from FND patients since the briefing, thanking me for hosting.
“The briefing helped many people feel finally heard and know they have supporters as well as a support network that will advocate for them.”
