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.”

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.

Jodie lives in Tāmaki Makaurau and loves helping others to reach their goals and dreams. Diagnosed with MS in 2019, Jodie is working toward a three-day cycle mission. Starting at Hunua, south of Auckland, her goal is to traverse the Hunua Range, cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail, and finish with a day-hike to Wairere Falls near Te Aroha, Waikato.

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.

Kirsten lives with her kids, dogs and husband in the small regional town of Ōamaru. She’s been living with symptoms and episodes of MS for about 20 years but was finally diagnosed in 2021. She’s on a mission to walk the five-day, 85 km Old Ghost Road in Buller.

Raffaela is an Italian living in Malborough with a passion for tramping. She was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND) in 2021, and she received an Expedition Grant to help her achieve her goal of tramping into Blue Lake Hut in Nelson Lakes National Park.

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.

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.