Buxton\u2019s first symptom was tingling in her right arm, which she thought was a pinched nerve.<\/p>\n
After several GP appointments and alternate treatments, the symptoms worsened until she was unable to pick up a pen.<\/p>\n
Rebekah Buxton says she tries to find the silver lining in multiple sclerosis.
\n Photo \/ Denise Piper<\/p>\n
A neurologist suspected MS and an MRI confirmed the diagnosis in the Northlander, who was born in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
Buxton said at 24, she was young to be diagnosed. It did not stop her having three healthy children aged 11 to 15.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
In February 2025, Buxton\u2019s condition progressed significantly and her right leg spasmed for the first time. <\/p>\n
Unfortunately, she was driving \u2013 her foot got stuck on the accelerator and she hit a lamp post.<\/p>\n
Buxton suffered a burst fracture in her spine (L1), needing two rods and four screws to hold everything together.<\/p>\n
Rebekah Buxton says she now uses aids such as a walker or electric scooter.
\nPhoto \/ Denise Piper <\/p>\n
She had to use a walker or electric scooter, but the bigger impact was stopping driving.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf all the horrible things that have happened, that\u2019s the worst: losing independence and not being able to get out to do the things my kids want to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just so grateful that he\u2019s there and able to help, and wants to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buxton continued to work as much as she could, although she admitted an afternoon nap was essential. <\/p>\n
Buxton worked out with the help of Studio 51 personal trainer Nicci Maree, who constantly adapted exercises, and was a Whang\u0101rei District Council Accessibility Advisory Group<\/a> member.<\/p>\n While MS was a tough condition, Buxton tried to find silver linings. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n To mark the start and end of MS Awareness Week, Whang\u0101rei\u2019s Canopy Bridge, gum tree in Forum North carpark and the Cameron St Mall canopy will light up orange on September 14 and 20.<\/p>\n Wende Quin from Northland Multiple Sclerosis Society said it offered monthly group meetings in Whang\u0101rei and Kerikeri, plus free exercise classes for those with MS.<\/p>\n