In July 2023, my life changed in a way I never expected. We had just returned from a family camping trip during the April school holidays when I noticed a strange tingling on the right side of my chest. At first, I brushed it off. But a week later, while showering, I felt something that made me stop, I felt numbness running from my chest all the way down to my spine. It didn’t feel right. I knew I had to listen to my body.
I visited my GP, who initially suspected shingles. But as the weeks passed and nothing improved with no rash, no answers, just spreading numbness she referred me to a neurologist. After an MRI and a battery of tests, I found myself sitting in front of Dr Nicolas Child, who gently told me I had lesions on both my spine and brain. I remember asking,
“Is it cancer?”He looked at me and said, “No it’s MS.”
The days that followed were a blur of tests and decisions. I was tested for the JC virus to determine which treatment path was safest. I was found to be JC positive, which meant I couldn’t go on Tysabri, but I was approved for Ocrevus. I now receive an infusion every six months. It’s not always easy as there are side effects like fatigue, pins and needles, and managing stress but it’s manageable. And most importantly, it works.
I train at BFT four to five times a week, and honestly, it’s changed my life. The physical benefits are huge; more energy, strength, and resilience but the emotional boost is just as important. Moving my body reminds me of what I can do. It keeps me grounded, gives me joy, and helps me push through even the toughest days.
Of course, the emotional weight of an MS diagnosis is heavy at first. It hits you hard especially as a mum of two young kids, Sienna (13) and Jono (10). I work full time and live a busy life, and suddenly I had to learn to slow down, to listen to my body, and to accept that I couldn’t do everything. That was incredibly hard. I’ve always been driven and fiercely independent. If someone says I can’t do something, you can bet I’ll find a way to prove them wrong. That fire in me hasn’t gone out but I’ve learned to pair it with grace and self-compassion.
Even just 20 to 30 minutes of quiet whether it’s a nap, a walk, or deep breaths in the sunshine helps me recharge. And the gym? It’s my medicine. It gives me life.
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have amazing support around me. My husband has been my rock doing school runs, helping around the house, making sure I have space to heal. My gym community has wrapped around me with understanding and kindness. And my workplace, during those early days of immunosuppressive treatment, went above and beyond providing me with parking so I didn’t have to risk catching the bus while vulnerable.
Long before MS, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a bowel disease. I’d been through countless treatments and challenges before, so I knew how important support could be. I’d joined other health-related support groups in the past, but nothing compared to what I found in MS Auckland.
When Luminita visited me from MS Auckland, she brought more than just information. She brought understanding, care, and compassion. She dropped off resources for me and for my children – simple, age-appropriate ways to help them understand what I was facing. That kindness meant everything to me.
I also joined the Porana Road coffee group. I’ll never forget my first one. I was just a month into my diagnosis, unsure of what to expect, nervous about stepping into the unknown. But from the moment I arrived, I felt at home. These groups are warm, welcoming, and full of people who just get it. We don’t always talk about MS and that’s the beauty of it. It’s not just a support group, it’s a lifeline. It’s laughter, stories, and friendship. My husband now takes over my son’s Saturday music routine so I never miss it
Completing the Hyrox relay event in February 2025. I pushed a 102kg sled for 50 metres and carried two 16kg kettlebells for 200 metres on a hot summer evening in addition to running between the stations, no less. I was nervous about how the heat would affect my MS, but I powered through. I crossed that finish line with tears in my eyes. I did it. MS didn’t stop me.
Living with MS has taught me to celebrate life in all its imperfect, beautiful messiness. It has taught me to rest, to rise, to push, to pause and most importantly, to live. We are so lucky to be diagnosed in a time where treatments are available, research is advancing, and support is just a phone call away. MS is not a death sentence. It’s a curve in the road, not the end of the journey.
To anyone newly diagnosed: take a breath. You don’t have to learn everything overnight. Go at your own pace. You’ll find your way. Join a coffee group. Reach out. Don’t be afraid. You are not alone and there is so much life still ahead of you.
And yes MS Auckland is in my Will. That’s how much they’ve meant to me. It’s important to me to give back, to help others who walk this path after me. Leaving a legacy of hope, support, and kindness it’s the least I can do.
Sharing honest personal journey's with multiple sclerosis, for Awareness.
