Symptoms depend on nerves impacted, Buxton said. They could include vision problems, numbness, muscle weakness, co-ordination issues, bladder/bowel dysfunction and profound fatigue.
While the cause was unclear, MS is less common closer to the equator, with prevalence in the northern North Island nearly half that of the South Island.
The condition affects three times more women than men.
Buxton’s first symptom was tingling in her right arm, which she thought was a pinched nerve.
After several GP appointments and alternate treatments, the symptoms worsened until she was unable to pick up a pen.
Rebekah Buxton says she tries to find the silver lining in multiple sclerosis.
Photo / Denise Piper
A neurologist suspected MS and an MRI confirmed the diagnosis in the Northlander, who was born in Northern Ireland.
Buxton said at 24, she was young to be diagnosed. It did not stop her having three healthy children aged 11 to 15.
Not wanting her children to be impacted by her health, Buxton, 42, said she pushed on with running after her kids from their Kauri home, working and doing housework, using aids such as a cane.
In February 2025, Buxton’s condition progressed significantly and her right leg spasmed for the first time.
Unfortunately, she was driving – her foot got stuck on the accelerator and she hit a lamp post.
Buxton suffered a burst fracture in her spine (L1), needing two rods and four screws to hold everything together.
Rebekah Buxton says she now uses aids such as a walker or electric scooter.
Photo / Denise Piper
She had to use a walker or electric scooter, but the bigger impact was stopping driving.
“Of all the horrible things that have happened, that’s the worst: losing independence and not being able to get out to do the things my kids want to do.”
Buxton said she was thankful for support from fellow parents and her own parents, who helped drive the kids around, and she was looking forward to her eldest learning to drive.
The crash also meant she had to rely more on husband David, who has taken on household chores and onsite visits in their shared business Northland Geotechnical Specialists.
“I’m just so grateful that he’s there and able to help, and wants to help.”
Buxton continued to work as much as she could, although she admitted an afternoon nap was essential.
Buxton worked out with the help of Studio 51 personal trainer Nicci Maree, who constantly adapted exercises, and was a Whangārei District Council Accessibility Advisory Group member.
While MS was a tough condition, Buxton tried to find silver linings.
This included seeing the Mona Lisa when the family was moved to the front of queues during a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe in 2024, she said.
To mark the start and end of MS Awareness Week, Whangārei’s Canopy Bridge, gum tree in Forum North carpark and the Cameron St Mall canopy will light up orange on September 14 and 20.
Wende Quin from Northland Multiple Sclerosis Society said it offered monthly group meetings in Whangārei and Kerikeri, plus free exercise classes for those with MS.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.