First up, we had Prof. Rebecca L. Goul. Rebecca is a Professor of Psychological Therapies at University College London (UCL) and Honorary Clinical Psychologist. She is a Chief Investigator of the COMMEND trial, a major randomized controlled trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for people living with MND, comparing adapted ACT + usual care versus usual care alone. Her work is helping to establish psychological therapies as evidence-based supports in MND care. Prof.Rebecca Gould's Talk.
We then had Geraldine & Martin Phillips. Geraldine and Martin shared their personal journey with MND. Geraldine was diagnosed with MND at just 57. They have two children Lara and Robert, now in their early 20s. Martin gave up his job to be Geraldine’s caregiver. Geraldine featured in our 40 Years of the IMNDA video and will be one of our ambassadors for Walk While You Can this year. Geraldine & Martin Phillip's Talk.
We then had Dr John Curtin. John is a graduate of UCC, completed higher specialist training in Palliative Medicine in the Oxford Deanery and obtained a mixed methods PhD through Oxford Brookes University. He took up his first consultant post at Mountbatten Isle of Wight Hospice in 2018 and returned to Cork with Marymount Hospice and Cork University Hospital in 2024. He discussed how multi-disciplinary and person-centred approaches can improve outcomes for families facing MND. Dr John Curtin's Talk.
We then had Orlaith Leo. Orlaith is a caregiver who has supported a loved one living with MND and will speak about her own experience of being in a caregiving role. Orlaith Leo's Talk.
We then had the second of our international speakers, Dr. Melinda S. Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW. Melinda is a Clinical Social Worker and Professor of Social Work at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She is a specialist in research on youth caregivers / young carers, particularly in families affected by neurological disorders such as ALS/MND. Her translational research focuses on giving voice to children & teens who provide care, and developing tools and programs that support them. Prof. Melinda Kavanaugh's Talk.
We then had the experience of listening to Dr Ciara O’Donoghue who attended our conference on behalf of Prof Hardiman. Dr. Ciara O'Donoghue works at Beaumont and is a PhD student in the McMackin Lab at the FutureNeuro Ireland centre. Dr Ciara O'Donoghue Talk.
Finally to the Podium, we had Clare Duffy. Clare is a Policy & Public Affairs Manager at Family Carers Ireland. She is also an advocate for the rights and wellbeing of family carers, Clare has led national campaigns and policy work to improve recognition, supports and entitlements for caregivers. She presented on benefits and finances for caregivers, outlining what practical supports are available and where gaps remain. Clare Duffy's Talk.
To watch each of the speakers, please visit our YouTube Channel @MNDireland.
