A Co Antrim woman has opened up about being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis just two months ago at the age of 21.
Last summer, Janna Lowe, an occupational therapist from Glynn, just outside Larne, was fresh out of university and working full-time as an occupational therapist.
She never expected to be undergoing health investigations, let alone be diagnosed with MS just a few months later.
READ MORE: Tyrone man’s Everest climb for family members suffering from MS
For Janna, the first warning sign came when she began to experience Nystagmus, a condition in which the eyes move uncontrollably.
She told Belfast Live: "I woke up one day last July and my eyes were like that. I was due to graduate from Ulster University two days later and my mum wanted me to go to the opticians but I didn't want to miss my graduation.
"I went to the opticians later that week who sent me to eye casualty immediately. As far as the doctors could see my eyes were healthy but they wanted to due a brain scan to check if there was a neurological issue.
"From that point I believed it was MS and I have personal experience with MS. My great aunt lived with it while I’ve also encountered a few people with it while working in the health service.
"My great-aunt was an inspiration as she didn’t let the disease stop her from living life to the fullest, even though she was confined to her bed.
"She always said that there weren’t enough hours in the day, and I think that can be a real example to the rest of us."
In February of this year, the neurologist confirmed that it was MS causing Janna's symptoms.
She said: "It was a shock to the system as Multiple Sclerosis wasn’t part of my plan for adulthood, but here I am the occupational therapist with MS at 21.
"Thankfully, since then, I have been asymptomatic. There is currently no cure for MS but research into treatments is continuing to evolve. In my job within the health service, I work directly with people who have MS and try my best to support them to engage with life."
Janna has shared her story to mark MS Awareness Week 2023, which runs from April 24-30.
She said: "With MS week coming up, I wanted to do something to raise some funds on behalf of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. I had originally intended to do a daily 5-mile walk throughout May, which would equal the distance of 155 miles.
"Then I thought, why not climb down a 120ft building as well? It might be more exciting and raise more funds so I'll be abseiling down the Europa Hotel in June.
"The money is being raised for the MS Society, which not only funds future clinical trials and research into treatments to prevent the progression of MS, but it also provides support and services to people with MS to help them live their lives."
Janna added: "I had set an initial target of £250, which was a lot of money, to begin with but we quickly met and surpassed that goal and to date have raised over £2,000.
"I hope that this fundraising effort will not only provide the necessary financial support but also raise awareness about MS and encourage others to fundraise for causes close to their hearts.
"I have been completely blown away by everyone’s kindness so far. Quite a few anonymous donations have come in, which is even more encouraging because it shows that people who don’t even know me care enough to donate."
You can donate to Janna's fundraiser here.
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