NATA LIE'S BATTLE 'I TRY TO FOCUS ON POSITIVES'
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand|June 8, 2024
After a devastating motor neuron disease diagnosis, the mum-of-two is making the most of life
Jo Bailey
NATA LIE'S BATTLE 'I TRY TO FOCUS ON POSITIVES'

The date 1 March 2022 will forever be etched in the memory of Dr Natalie Gauld as it's the devastating day she was told she had motor neurone disease.

"The first month after my diagnosis was horrendous," the Aucklander recalls. "My family and I grieved for what we would be losing. Then after a few weeks, I thought, 'I'm not going to get in a wheelchair and regret wasting time feeling sorry for myself!'

"So I got on with making the most of my mobility, and having fun and different experiences. I try to take one day at a time and focus on positives. It's good for me and it's better for others that way." The impact of her illness on her family, including husband Matt, and daughters Lauren, 23, and Brenna, 21, is something that worries Natalie, who was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to health and pharmacy.

"My husband and I are in our fifties and should be enjoying our freedom after years of bringing up kids, but instead he's having to support me through my increasing disability. And I feel bad I won't be there for our daughters in the future." A shared sense of humour is something that keeps them all going, she says.

"Our family has black jokes about the disease and I love catching up with friends for a good laugh." The clues things were amiss started in 2019, when the formerly active pharmacist noticed some arm weakness and an inability to keep up with her friends when walking.

Bu hikaye Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand dergisinin June 8, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand dergisinin June 8, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

WOMAN’S DAY MAGAZINE NEW ZEALAND DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
TREASURE & TRAUMA
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

TREASURE & TRAUMA

The launch of the new season of Celebrity Treasure Island doubled as an eighth wedding anniversary celebration for contestant Millen Baird and his wife Siobhan Marshall, who came fourth on the show back in 2022.

time-read
1 min  |
August 31, 2024
JUDGE JAY-JAY
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

JUDGE JAY-JAY

Radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas

time-read
2 dak  |
August 31, 2024
CASEY'S BABY JOY 'OUR GIRL IS ALREADY SO LOVED'
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

CASEY'S BABY JOY 'OUR GIRL IS ALREADY SO LOVED'

The Te Puke gym owner refused to let a devastating accident stop her from becoming a mother

time-read
3 dak  |
August 31, 2024
DEAD FUNNY! SHOSHANA'S GOING SOLO
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

DEAD FUNNY! SHOSHANA'S GOING SOLO

The Emmy Award-winning writer is starring in a macabre new comedy

time-read
3 dak  |
August 31, 2024
TWO RAW SISTERS BABY MAKES THREE!
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

TWO RAW SISTERS BABY MAKES THREE!

Rosa and Margo have a new cookbook and bundle of joy on the way

time-read
3 dak  |
August 31, 2024
HOME AND AWAY'S NEW MÃORI STAR
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

HOME AND AWAY'S NEW MÃORI STAR

The son of a Kiwi sporting Legend, Cantona Stewart is making waves in Summer Bay

time-read
2 dak  |
August 31, 2024
TV STAR AIDEE 'THE NIGHT I ALMOST DIED'
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

TV STAR AIDEE 'THE NIGHT I ALMOST DIED'

The actress and director opens up about her terrifying ordeal

time-read
3 dak  |
August 31, 2024
CARMEL SEPULONI  I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A FIGHTER!
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

CARMEL SEPULONI I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A FIGHTER!

Our former deputy PM the lessons she's learnt in politics on CTI

time-read
3 dak  |
August 31, 2024
KENNEDY & SOLLY'S ROMANTIC RACE TO THE ALTAR
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

KENNEDY & SOLLY'S ROMANTIC RACE TO THE ALTAR

The Black Ferns co-captain and her rugby star husband organised the ir nuptials in just five days!

time-read
5 dak  |
August 31, 2024
THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!

Their lovable bromance is stealing the spotlight in Venice!

time-read
1 min  |
August 31, 2024