MS Stories

“The day I was diagnosed with MS my whole life as I knew it changed. I was a young, active mum with three children and spent most of my days busy running around with them. I never imagined that I would end up spending most of my days confined to a wheelchair.”

“I am a very proud father of four amazing children and a grandad to two beautiful grandkids. They are my inspiration and I want them to see that anything in life is achievable, no matter what.

I now know my body’s limitations and my goal is to be able to accomplish one task each day, taking one day at a time. Yes, my life is more different now than I ever would have imagined, but, I wouldn’t change a thing. Some days are hard and long, but I think the secret is to just get on with it.”

“I am not saying that MS is a blessing. However, since my diagnosis I’ve become a stronger and braver woman, and I am deeply proud of that. MS has changed my outlook on life in so many ways. It has made me realise that having a positive mindset is the most powerful quality you can possess. I intentionally reflect and focus on the amazing opportunities that have unfolded for me because of MS.”

“My 10-year-old son Connor gets to see me fight every day and never give up. More than anything, I want to show him that you can still take every opportunity for great adventures when life throws you lemons.”

“NZ needs to get real and provide a way forward in legalising and bringing in affordable medicinal cannabis. I know medicinal cannabis works for some because I have used it and still do use it, but it’s come at a cost. MS is not an easy condition to live with, but I have found ways of managing better. I meditate, I use medicinal cannabis when I can afford it, and I work hard to change my thinking from the negative to a more positive outlook.”

“What do you do when someone blows your mind away by telling you that you have an incurable disease that will change your life forever? That you may be unable to walk in a year or hold an object in your hand; you may get incontinence; you may lose your sight and so on and so forth? All these horrible thoughts go through your head. And of course, the big one. Is it real? Why me? What can be done about it?.”

“The ability to continue to work and remain active in the community are some of the cornerstones of living a positive life with MS. My hope is that people with MS will be supported to do exactly that.”