3rd July 2025
Our AAP students who are currently in training at NIAS HQ, were learning today about the endocrine system. We were delighted to be joined by several amazing people whose lives have been impacted by the rare condition that is Addison’s Disease. On Wed 1st Dec 2021, Sheenagh Black’s 5 year old daughter Maggie took acutely unwell and subsequently died in hospital from complications of Addison’s Disease, a disease they didn’t know she suffered from. She aims to raise awareness of the condition and to promote better outcomes for others across NI, via her proactive work with “Maggie’s Call”. Jolene Conway and Cara Maginn from Addison’s Northern Ireland both spoke to us about their experiences taking acutely unwell and subsequently being diagnosed with Addison’s Disease. They discussed their symptoms and how it impacts their daily lives, and in particular gave an insight into the steroid medication therapy that is used to treat Addison’s Disease. Lesley Finlay spoke to us about her daughter’s experience of living with adrenal insufficiency and described how adrenal crisis presents in terms of symptoms and triggers. Our students left with an heightened awareness of how Addison’s Disease and were moved by the speakers they listened to,
In the photos are Sean Kelly (Clinical Education Manager), Sheenagh Black (Maggie’s Call), Lesley Finlay and Cara Maginn (both from Addison’s Northern Ireland) along with the AAP students. Also pictured is NIAS Interim Chief Executive Maxine Paterson along with Sean, Sheenagh, Lesley and Cara.