Name Lesley Eertink.
Age: I am 32, but mentally feel like 25
Where do you call home? Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (Europe)
Education: Masters in Law.
What is your relationship status? Do you have children? I am single and living on my own. I have no children. Still waiting for the perfect match! Still no luck in that though.
What's a typical day for you? My day always starts with a healthy breakfast. I work 4 days a week as a company lawyer for the Dutch government from Monday till Thursday. Besides that, I exercise 5 days a week to keep my body in shape. Also because I am a bit vain. After work and exercise, I prepare a nice and healthy meal for myself. And when there is time left I have time for my addiction...Netflix.
How long have you known you are living with FA? I was diagnosed at age 25, so for more than 7 years now. But I had the first symptoms earlier.
Are there any others with FA in your family? I am the only one in the family with FA.
Describe an adaptation and/or transition you have had to take due to living with FA: Inside the house, I walk without devices, but outside I walk with a cane or a rollator. I use the rollator for 2 months now. In the beginning, I was a bit ashamed of walking with it, but now I feel more secure about it and I can make jokes about it.
What do you like to do to stay active and what type of exercises work for you to stay strong? I work out 5 days a week, mostly at the gym. I train my legs and abs a lot. I always start with the Stairmaster at the gym for 10 minutes! This is quite intense but really good for the legs and stamina.
Do you have any hobbies or special interests? I like going out with my friends for dinner. I like food a lot! I also love to cook. My specialty is Indonesian food! (My mother is from Indonesia) I also like traveling. And last but not least I am a collector of Vinyl. Records, I love 80's music.
What is a good trick to make daily life easier? I always drink fresh made ginger and turmeric tea in the morning. It warms up the body.
When FA gets you down, what do you think/do to feel better? When FA gets me down I always put in one of my vinyl records. It always makes me happy! Especially when it is sassy 80's music.
What is one way living with FA has POSITIVELY affected your life? Because of living with FA, I realized more and more of taking good care of your body, because not having a good working body is really difficult living. I also realize not to worry about little things in life. Always
seeing things in perspective.
What is a favorite motivational quote of yours? Do something! And keep on smiling!
What is a piece of advice that someone with FA has given you that encourages and inspires you? I'm inspired by all the people who are volunteering/working for the FARA!
What is the best advice YOU could give to a person who has been newly diagnosed with FA? Everything is possible in life.
What is the first thing you want to do when a cure/treatment to FA is found? The first thing I will do when there is a cure is going to a club and dance the night away. I used to dance a lot, and really miss doing it.
"I have FA but FA doesn't have me." What does this statement mean to you? How do you live your life in the face of adversity? I'm trying not to see FA as an enemy, but as an annoying neighbor with whom I have to live with. I'm making the best out of it and trying to make a lot of advantage of it as far as I can.
