My name is Steph Nierstenhoefer, and I live with my family in Titirangi, West Auckland. In August 2023, I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) after experiencing double vision and balance issues. Initially, I attributed my brain fog and extreme fatigue to perimenopause, while unexplained symptoms like uncontrolled leg movements and a persistent tingling sensation in my arms and legs seemed like minor nuisances rather than warning signs. My left side was particularly affected, yet I never imagined these symptoms could be linked to something more serious.
My journey toward diagnosis began when I was referred to Auckland’s emergency eye clinic, where multiple sclerosis (MS) was first mentioned. The official confirmation in August 2023 was life-altering. Processing the news was overwhelming, and for months, I withdrew from friends and family, struggling to come to terms with what this meant for my identity, my future. As someone who thrives on outdoor adventure, the uncertainty of living with MS was daunting. Would I still be able to do the things I loved?
Embracing the Unknown: My Journey with Multiple Sclerosis
Coming to terms with my diagnosis was a lengthy and emotional process. For months, I felt as though I was living a double life—maintaining the appearance of normalcy at work while privately navigating an overwhelming cycle of medical appointments and debilitating fatigue. Eventually, I recognised that knowledge was key to confronting MS head-on. Instead of succumbing to uncertainty, I made a conscious decision to take control of my health.
In early 2024, I enrolled in a Menzies Course to educate myself on MS and its management. Through this, I gained a deeper understanding of the significant progress made in MS research and treatment over the past decade. A prevalent misconception about MS is that it inevitably results in severe disability, but advancements in treatment have provided many individuals with the ability to manage symptoms effectively and maintain an active lifestyle.
Due to other medical conditions, my options for disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) were limited. Tysabri emerged as the most suitable choice, though its potential adverse effects were daunting. Since beginning six-weekly infusions in September 2023, I have fortunately experienced no major complications—something for which I am incredibly grateful.
I also committed to daily exercise and completely overhauled my diet, eliminating dairy, meat, and processed foods in favour of an anti-inflammatory approach.
I applied for the Mastering Mountains grant because I needed a tangible goal—something to remind me that my diagnosis did not define me. Hiking has always been my passion, and the grant provided the support to train, prepare, and take on one of my first major challenges: completing the Milford Track in February 2025.
To be honest, I never expected to receive the grant, but it felt like an opportunity worth pursuing. The news of my selection as a grant recipient arrived at the same time as news of my redundancy—a moment of mixed emotions. I had just begun opening up about my diagnosis to friends and colleagues, aiming for a fresh start and a more transparent, honest approach to living with MS.
I embraced the opportunity and chose to be open about my diagnosis, recognising that this journey was about more than just reaching a physical destination. It became a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the belief that MS does not mark the end of adventure. Rather than seeing limitations as barriers, I viewed them as challenges to navigate—proving to myself and others that life with MS can still be filled with purpose, strength, and exploration.
With a background in Communication Design, I felt a responsibility to share my experience of living with MS. To raise awareness and foster connection, I launched an Instagram account to document my journey—capturing the challenges, triumphs, and everything in between.
With the support of the Mastering Mountains grant, I began physiotherapy at Rope Neuro in Grey Lynn, a crucial step in rebuilding my strength and endurance. Daily excercise became part of my routine, enhancing both my flexibility and mental resilience. I started walking and running again. I implemented a mixture of Yoga, Pilates and High Intensity training. However, the unpredictability of MS made planning difficult. One day, I felt strong and capable; the next, I could be battling overwhelming fatigue. Managing stress, diet, and exercise became central to my training.
The biggest challenge was maintaining my fitness while learning to balance exertion with recovery. But having a goal, a reason to keep pushing forward, made all the difference.
Receiving the Mastering Mountains grant gave my diagnosis a sense of validity—I felt seen and taken seriously. It also reinforced the reality of my condition. Because MS affects everyone differently, I often struggled with imposter syndrome, especially on my good days. When people told me I “looked fine” or seemed to be doing well, I questioned whether I truly deserved the support I was receiving. On days when I arrived at physiotherapy feeling strong, I almost felt guilty for having access to so many resources.
But then there were the difficult days—when my legs unexpectedly gave out after a strenuous hike, when my vision blurred, my legs spasmed, my feet felt on fire. Overexertion on a hot day, too much training or simply dehydration could bring on a multitude of symptoms. These experiences forced me to learn how to manage external factors through careful training and routine adjustments. My journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Illness and antibiotics often left me bedridden for one to two weeks at a time, and even a simple cold could bring extreme fatigue. Learning to navigate these challenges has been just as important as the physical training itself.
One of the most significant takeaways from this experience is that setbacks do not mean failure. Progress is not linear. There will be days when I need to rest, but that does not erase the strength I’ve built or the milestones I’ve reached.
For anyone facing a similar diagnosis, my advice is to reach out to people you trust, that you are not alone. There is an incredible support network available, from MS New Zealand and MS Auckland to organisations like Oceans of Hope and Overcoming MS. The Mastering Mountains grant has given me direction, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.
My mission is to complete all of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Since completing the Milford Track in February 2025, I am more determined than ever to explore more NZ hiking trails. This is not about overcoming MS—it’s about learning to live with it, adapt, and thrive. It’s about challenging perceptions, both my own and those of others, about what is possible. Every step forward is a victory, and I intend to take many more.
A huge thank you to Nick Allen and the whole Mastering Mountains whanau for your constant support; to Penelope Butler from MS Auckland, for always encouraging me to seek out new opportunities. Juee Bhide and Chloe Beach from Rope Neuro for the excellent training plan. I couldn’t have done it without you!
Since its very early days, the Milner family has supported MS Auckland. Read how Milner Motors helped Judith find Freedom on Four Wheels
Tobias soon became an invaluable part of MS Auckland's volunteer team. He shares an insight here on why he volunteers and his goals.
