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have kept fighting to strengthen the health and safety laws in the workplaces of New Zealand. “There is so much more to do, and I will continue trying to help bring real changes to workers lives in New Zealand.” Sadly, due to Anna’s condition causingmore muscle wastage, she has had to give up being a full-time teacher aide and school bus driver as she can no longer manage all the walking and time on her feet. Anna suffers from considerable pain and finds night-time the worst. However, she still manages to maintain a positive outlook saying, “I will never win prizes for my emaciated legs. They look like those birds, the stalks, with high arched feet and monkey toes…. got to laugh, it helps!” Anna has worked closely with her MDA Fieldworker Jane Hazlett, her occupational therapist and physiotherapist to have a ramp placed at her back door. They have also organised her a motorised wheelchair which will help on the days she is unable to use just her crutch. “This disease is tiring to the point of exhaustion at times, but with a nana-nap and pushing through the things that are important, this keeps me going, sometimes to my own detriment.” Speaking of the Pike disaster, Anna says it has changed her a lot and she feels it’s robbed her of seeing her teenage children grow up. “My children told me, we lost one parent to Pike, do not let Pike take the other.” “I was always busy doing something with Pike while I left them to fend for themselves. My children say they are proud of what I have done for their dad but they both say that dad would be wanting me to live life now and enjoy it before it is too late. “My children told me, we lost one parent to Pike, do not let Pike take the other,” Anna says. Despite all Anna has been through, she is still here battling and fighting not only for herself but others too. After a bone marrow transplant late in 2019, Anna’s Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is contained at present, and she continues to live each day to the fullest. “So, here I am three years later, still battling with health issues but also enjoying the challenges life throws at me. “Of course, there is that damn CMT, but with all that said, I am alive, I have amazing children, a gorgeous granddaughter, and friends that I would never trade for the world.” Take on a new challenge! We want you, MDA youth members Equipping all young New Zealanders for promising futures. Contact us on info@mda.org.nz or phone 0800 800 337 The last two years of Covid-19 restrictions have been super tough! So, if you’re keen to get back out into the community and learn something new or take part in an adventurous journey, then the Duke of Edinburgh Award might be for you. Members rave about how it helped to boost their sense of accomplishment and independence. Since 2017 MDANZ (a licenced award unit) has been offering funding and direct support for our members aged between 14 and 24 years who want to take part. This is regardless of gender, background, or ability. Anna’s story