Meet some of the 300,000 people living with a rare disorder in New Zealand. If you would like to share your personal story tell us here.

Jan 10, 2023, 10:44 PM
Jayne's story

It was a relief to be told I had something, as over the years there have been a variety of medical investigations; GP, psychological, gynaecological, physiotherapy, orthopaedic to mention a few.

Sep 12, 2022, 9:54 PM
Zoey's story

As a parent, it is just excruciating watching your child struggle and knowing there is an alternative out there but its not accessible and there's nothing you can do about it.

Aug 6, 2022, 10:46 PM
Danielle's story

Every time a check-up comes around, I feel that 'scanxiety'. I don't know what the future holds for me, but I have learned to take each day as it comes.

Jul 20, 2022, 12:07 AM
Ellie's story

I am Ellie, I have IPH (Idiopathic Pumlonary Hemosiderosis). IPH is the unknown bleeding of the lungs.

Apr 4, 2022, 11:04 PM
Ava's story

Deep down I always knew she was a little different, she didn’t make a sound when she was born and she cried for the first time at 3 months old.

Jun 29, 2021, 9:13 AM
Prerna's story

I read somewhere that hope is a passion for what is possible and truly I live by it.

Jun 15, 2021, 9:39 AM
Susannah's story

Having some way to record diagnosed cases would give solid data around how many New Zealanders are dealing with this terrible disorder.

Apr 13, 2021, 4:25 PM
Sam's story

Being different isn’t a bad thing - heck, maybe it’s my superpower!

Apr 12, 2021, 4:43 PM
Stephen's story

I have MSA-C, a rare neurological condition that came on in my early 60s, primarily caused by the shrinking of my cerebellum.

Apr 5, 2021, 2:24 PM
Elenna's story

My family and friends all signed the petition to make our healthcare system Fair for Rare. I think I got about 60-80 signatures, Mum was proud.