Act For Meningitis

In 2008 Siobhan and Noel Carroll lost their precious daughter Aoibhe, aged just 4, to Meningitis. After losing Aoibhe, Siobhan and Noels lives changed forever and they felt there was an urgent need for more awareness around Meningitis and that support be made available to anyone affected by the disease. They quickly immersed themselves in raising awareness of meningitis and its signs and symptoms. Overwhelmed by the support received for every fundraiser and awareness campaign they held, Siobhan and Noel decided to set-up ACT for Meningitis in 2011. ACT stands for both the Aoibhe Carroll Trust, and also represents the three key messages Siobhan and Noel want to get across in relation to meningitis - The ‘A’ standing for ‘Ask’, ask yourself could it be meningitis; the ‘C’ standing for contact your doctor; and the most importantly ‘T’, trust your instincts. ACT for meningitis was set up with a Mission to raise awareness, to promote education and to provide support to those affected by meningitis in Ireland, and with a vision to see an Ireland where lives are no longer lost to meningitis, and through our support services no-one faces the meningitis journey alone. Anyone of any age can get meningitis. Knowing the signs and symptoms, ensuring vaccinations are up to date and trusting your instincts is the best protection against this disease. Also believing the rash is the only symptom will cost lives, as the rash that does not fade under pressure will not always appear. If it does it can be one of the last symptoms to be displayed. Therefore, DON’T WAIT FOR A RASH. If you suspect meningitis, seek medical help immediately. Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the spinal cord and the brain, caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It is easily misdiagnosed as the symptoms can be flu-like, appear in any order and some may not appear at all, therefore we urge people to trust your instincts.