Ten years ago, Sue became the first person to ever receive a Mastering Mountains grant. When she first heard about the grant, she paused - the idea of applying was an avenue to something more, but it also seemed daunting. “What if I get it and fail?” she wondered. This initial hesitation was overcome by a deeper resolve that surfaced within her: I have to try.

Raffaela, who has FND and Parkinsons, learned that she gets to write her own narrative. Despite life-altering diagnoses that significantly diminished her sense of personal agency, Raffaela refused to give up and instead forged a new path, one of her choosing. “You get to rewrite your story,” she says. “Mine used to be about loss and limitation. Now, it’s about strength. Now, it’s about possibility.”

Fresh back from Milford Track, Steph knows she can’t predict the future, but she no longer sees that as something to fear. “I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty with a sense of adventure,” she says. “The future feels exciting again.”

Raffaela Dragani has functional neurological disorder (FND). She courageously shares her unexpected journey over the past 18 months. In particular, she talks about what it looks like to stay grounded when life shakes up your sense of stability.

Michelle is from Nelson, and loves the challenge and adventure of the outdoors, particularly running, mountain biking, rock climbing and tramping, and sharing these experiences with friends. She was diagnosed with MS in 2020, within a few weeks of developing symptoms. She's on a mission to undertake a new challenge: completing a mountaineering expedition.

Originally from Germany, Steph now calls NZ home, living with her partner and daughter in Titirangi, West Auckland, where she thrives on getting outdoors, whether hiking, swimming or running. Steph was diagnosed with MS in 2023. Her goal is to walk the Milford Track with her family.

Congratulations to Kirsten Dixon, who recently completed her mission to walk with a friend, unsupported for five days, along all 85 kilometres of the West Coast’s Old Ghost Road. Kirsten reflects on her journey.

Sam Smith recently returned from his 120km hike across Germany and takes us through the highlights.

Sam Smith, the 2019 Expedition Grant recipient, is heading away to trek King Ludwig's Way in Bavaria, Germany. A New Zealand comedian, author, and father, Sam was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015 and is partially blind, but he can’t wait to test himself.

On November 4th 2021, our 2020 Grant Recipient Katy Glenie accomplished her mission to climb the Minarets (3,040 metres) in New Zealand's Southern Alps. The Mastering Mountains team could not be more thrilled for her!

Katy Glenie is the 2020 Mastering Mountains Grant recipient and she has an exciting goal: to climb the Minarets, a 3,000m peak in the Southern Alps. Here, Katy gives a fun account of a course she attended in preparation for the climb.

Despite a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), Aucklanders Sam Smith and Rachelle Becker will redefine what’s possible with MS and to inspire others to pursue healthier lifestyles.

Nick Allen recently caught up with 2018 grant recipient Tracey Hall, to find out more about what receiving the grant has meant to her and how she is feeling while preparing for her upcoming adventure to Machu Picchu.

“This experience, as well as many others over the years, taught me that I do best when I have a goal to work toward. ... [T]o stay motivated through the ups and downs, I need goals that I’m passionate about and inspire me. Goals give me hope.”

Nick Allen recently caught up with 2018 grant recipient Tracey Hall, to find out more about what receiving the grant has meant to her and how she is feeling while preparing for her upcoming adventure to Machu Picchu.