Hi, my name is Raffaela Dragani. I am 41 years young and hail from the Abruzzo region of Italy. New Zealand has been my home since 2013, and I've always wanted to reach Blue Lake in Nelson Lakes National Park. I was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND) in 2021 and am fundraising for Mastering Mountains.

Why I’m Fundraising

With the support of Mastering Mountains, I want to complete the 6-day walk into Blue Lake Hut in 2024. Adam and my family will be cheering me on, and I would love your support.

I chose this challenge because tramping is a big part of who I am. With the support of the Mastering Mountains Expedition Grant, I want to reclaim that part of me from FND. Achieving this goal will be closing an old, pending goal, demonstrating to myself that I still can do the things I desired before my health issues.

I will use my journey to raise funds and awareness for other people with FND. Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust has given me an expedition grant that gets me the specialist support I need to accomplish my goal. I want to enable others to get the help they need to enjoy the outdoors and achieve the adventures they desire.