Meet Corinne

Name: Corinne

Age: 35

Where do you call home? Near the beautiful city of Lucerne, Switzerland

Education (degree(s): I did an apprenticeship as a businesswoman (in the office). After I did some further education in marketing, I quit my job and started to do what makes me happy – traveling.

Who do you live with? I live alone in an apartment.

What’s a typical day for you? Whenever possible, I’m traveling. When I’m home, I do exercise by myself, go to physio, cook, surf, or go out with friends.

How long have you known you are living with FA? When I was 16, the doctor diagnosed me in Switzerland.

Are there any others with FA in your family? My youngest brother also has FA.

Describe your transition from walking to walker/wheelchair. At 22, I started to use the wheelchair, but just for long distances. I was ashamed and had a lot of problems accepting the wheelchair. Today, I use him every time and we have become friends.

What do you like to do to stay active and what type of exercises work for you to stay strong? I tried yoga, pilates, the gym… at the moment, I workout from home. I do some yoga exercises, some weight exercise for my arms, and I’ll do some sit-ups and pushups.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests? I began to surf (adaptive surfing), which I really want to go on with, but with Corona, it isn’t possible to travel on beaches with nice waves.

What is a good trick to make daily life easier? Wake up with a SMILE.

When FA gets you down, what do you think/do to feel better? To do something I enjoy doing, like eating chocolate.

What is one way living with FA has POSITIVELY affected your life? I became more sportive and it made me appreciate the small things in life.

What is a favorite motivational quote of yours? Everything happens for a reason. Follow your dreams and collect some memories along the way.

What is piece of advice that someone with FA has given you that encourages and inspires you? Enjoy as much as you can while you can.

What is the best advice YOU could give to a person who has been newly diagnosed with FA? With the diagnosis, you have a different chance to live, enjoy it as best as you can.

What is the first thing you want to do when a cure/treatment to FA is found? Walk on the beach and feel the sand between my toes.

“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 try my best to live a normal life with FA.

 

Interview by
Xhesika Peza