Jodie Donovan on Getting Diagnosed and Living With Friedreich’s Ataxia

At just 20 years old, Jodie Donovan was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a rare genetic neurological disorder that’s changed her life, leaving her reliant on a wheelchair. Jodie bravely shares how her symptoms were missed for years, how she copes with the progression of the disease, and her plea for access to a life-changing treatment. She’s joined by Dr Mary Kearney, a mother to two daughters with the same condition and a leading voice in rare disease research. They talk about the lack of awareness, the struggle for accessibility, and the urgent need for change in how Ireland approaches rare disease treatment. Broadcast on 06/08/2025 Subscribe to Ireland AM for more exclusive videos: https://bit.ly/4cZifj3 FOLLOW US:   / irelandamvmtv     / irelandamvmtv     / irelandamvmtv   MORE ABOUT IRELAND AM: Welcome to the official Ireland AM Channel! We are Ireland's biggest breakfast show live weekdays from 7am-10am & weekends from 9am-12pm on Virgin Media Play & Virgin Media One. Join us as we explore various news topics of interests while guests open up for interviews that cover a multitude of subjects such as politics, food and human interest! #IrelandAM #friedreichsataxia #raredisease