It will be a charity concert which will raise funds for cancer and Functional Neurological Disorder.
Athy Choral Fusion is hosting a concert in Scoil Phádraig Naofa in Athy on 25 September.
It will be a charity concert which will raise funds for cancer and Functional Neurological Disorder.
FND is a medical condition where there is a problem with how the brain sends and receives signals to the rest of the body.
Speaking on Kildare Today was musical director for the group, who also lives with FND, Eileen Doyle.
Eileen had taught music in primary schools for many years, before retiring and then setting up an adult choir, often hosting charity concerts.
She explained the reason behind this year's event:
"Two ladies in our choir were going through the treatment for cancer and thankfully have come out smiling, and the other charity was for FND, whcih I have myself. While cancer is well-known about, there is very little known about it.
"This concert, while it is a fundraiser for these charities, it's also to make people aware of it and that it does exist out there."
Eileen described the nature of her symptoms, which came up during COVID-19, also finding it difficult to see a neurologist during that time:
"In my case, it was the motor conditions that were affected, I was getting tremors in the legs and the arms, jerking of the body and facial ticks, I didn't know what was happening.
"I was getting anxious and I was having panic attacks, probably because I didn't know what was happening."
Following consultations with a second neurologist, she was diagnosed with FND, and with no treatment available, she was advised to access a "good GP, physio and psychotherapist".
She has learned to live with the disorder, as consultants aim to find ways for Eileen to best manage the pain that comes with FND.
"It's a journey, you have to keep going and keep trying, to see what works for you."
The founding of FND Ireland by Eamonn McPartlan has seen the founding of peer groups and various supports for those who live with the disorder, something Eileen has paid tribute to, describing the groups as an emotional and psychological help allowing people to share their stories.
Looking ahead to the concert at the end of September, a number of choirs are set to come together for the evening, with groups such as the Baldonnel singers and Castlecomer Male Voice Choir, adding to the musical talent on show for the fundraiser.
The full interview can be heard below:
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