DHR Communications is currently working with the Myasthenia Gravis Association (MGA) to promote its ‘Rocky Road to Dublin’ walking challenge. The challenge is being led by Ronnie Whelan and aims to raise funds for the Association, as well as promoting awareness of Myasthenia Gravis (MG).
MG is a muscle weakening disease in which the immune system attacks and damages the nerve signal reception areas. This causes a breakdown between nerves and muscles and results in loss of effectiveness in the muscles of the arms, legs and eyes. The name ‘Myasthenia Gravis’ comes from the Greek and Latin words for ‘grave muscular weakness’.
One in 10,000 people suffer from MG and many more go undiagnosed and misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness of the condition. In Ireland, there are almost 400 diagnosed sufferers of MG, but it is estimated that for every diagnosed sufferer there are at least two to three others whose condition is undetected.
The Myasthenia Gravis Association provides support to MG sufferers and their families. Republic of Ireland football legend Ronnie Whelan has acted as Patron of the Association since his daughter, Elizabeth, was diagnosed with MG in recent years.
Ronnie will lead the ‘Rocky Road to Dublin’ walking challenge from 29th April to 4th May 2010. To get involved, and to keep informed about the challenge, you can join the Facebook page here or check the MGA’s website.
DHR Communications welcomed a new intern to our staff team today: Caitlin Young, who is joining us from Canada and will work with us over the next three months.
Caitlin will take on the role of Volunteer Account Executive at DHR Communications, as part of the internship programme run by Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Caitlin has previous experience in Public Relations for the non-profit sector, having worked for GlobalFest, one of Calgary’s largest and most diverse summer festivals. At DHR Communications, she would like to gain further experience in several facets of PR, including Reputation and Brand Management.
On her return to Canada, Caitlin will complete her Bachelor of Applied Communications degree, with a major in Public Relations, at Mount Royal University. She expects to graduate in July 2010.
DHR Communications is delighted to announce that we’ll be working with Samaritans Ireland over the course of 2010, developing an advocacy strategy for the organisation and advising it on its advocacy work. Samaritans provides 24-hour emotional support to anyone experiencing distress, despair or suicidal thought. It was established in Ireland in 1962, and now has 20 branches across the island of Ireland, with almost 2,000 active volunteers.
In addition to Samaritans Ireland, we’ve also recently been chosen by Cluid Housing Association to provide public relations support for an event the Association is organising this March. Further details will follow shortly…
Finally, we’re back working with the Myasthenia Gravis Association (MGA), helping to promote Ronnie Whelan’s ‘Rocky Road to Dublin’ Challenge in aid of the Association. DHR Communications previously worked with the MGA in 2007 and 2008, on a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness of Myasthenia Gravis, a muscle-weakening disease.
