Muscular Dystrophy Ireland National Conference

Posted on October 14th, 2005

The Muscular Dystrophy Ireland [MDI] National AGM and Conference was held in Dublin on Saturday 15th October 2005

Michael McGrath, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Muscular Help Foundation was invited by MDI’s Director Joe T Mooney to deliver a message of hope and courage

“I was honoured to be invited to speak and humbled to meet so many wonderful people from different parts of Ireland whose lives are challenged daily by the cruel and unforgiving muscle wasting disease that is muscular dystrophy. Thank you to all who made both my wife and I feel so very welcome, made even more so by that infectious and engaging Irish spirit!”

Michael McGrath

“Inspiring and motivational, despite the challenging nature of our brief to deliver a message of hope and courage to an audience of people with muscular dystrophy and their families. You ensured that our 2005 National Conference closed on an impressive high note. We know that those who heard you speak will be inspired to greater things”

Conference Producer
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland

Other speakers included:

· Joseph Irwin [Honorary Director of Research, Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Task Force Leader in Paediatric Medicines for EURORDIS, the European Organisation for Rare Disorders]
· Dr Ian Graham [Researcher, Biomedical Sciences Centre, Royal Holloway, University of London]
· Professor Kay Ohlendieck, Head of the Department of Biology at NUI Maynooth

Mr John Dolan, CEO Disability Federation of Ireland was the conference Chair

About Muscular Dystrophy

This is a collective term for a variety of neuromuscular conditions, characterised by the progressive degeneration and weakening of muscles, which can affect both adults and children.

All forms of muscular dystrophy are hereditary, with the genetic defect transmitted by one parent in some forms and both parents in others. However, there are many cases of muscular dystrophy in families with no known history of the condition which are caused by spontaneous mutation.

There is no cure for any of the muscular dystrophies but with proper management, physiotherapy and dietary control, a reasonably good quality of life can be maintained.

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland provides support to persons with neuromuscular conditions and their families through the provision of a range of support services.

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