Community rallies to help Limerick teacher diagnosed with Motor Nuerone Disease

A Limerick mother of five is raising funds after being diagnosed with a “life changing diagnosis” two years ago. 

In November of 2022, Carol Liston O’Connor was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease at 42.

The family have set up a gofundme page for people to support Carol throughout her diagnosis.

The family have raised €90k of their €200k goal.

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a condition that affects the brain and nerves. 

It causes weakness that gets worse over time and there's no cure for MND but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person's daily life, however they often are abroad and very expensive.

Carol, who is originally from Athea, Limerick has been living in Broadford, Limerick for the past 15 years with husband Liam and their five children Ellie-Mai (11), Molly (9), Liam-Óg (7), Mikie and Paddy (4).

For Carol and her family this disease has had an irrevocable impact on their day to day life.

Carol requires 24 hour care and husband Liam is unable to work full-time to care for Carol and their children.

Speaking about their appeal, the family said: “We are looking for help with raising money to enable Carol to avail of these treatments, to adapt her transport and home. We ask you to consider contributing to this campaign. A gift from you today will aid Carol in availing of treatments/equipment and support her and her family to live with MND and enable Carol, Liam and their children to enjoy their time together without financial worries.” 

Before the diagnosis Carol “was a very active member of the community,” she was a secondary school teacher in Desmond College, Newcastle West, Limerick “where she is still held in the highest regard.” 

The family wrote: “Carol has given her whole life to working with young people not just in the classroom but also on the GAA Field.  She not only has played with Athea ladies football but she has also held many coaching and official positions in Athea, Dromcollogher and Broadford GAA.”

To donate to the families cause HERE.