She knows how to bounce back from feeling low
Sara Bastiaensen
Belgium
Year of diagnosis: 2022
Exercise of choice: Strength training at the gym and walking
Favorite outdoor exercise: Hiking and paddle board
Favorite place to hike: In a forest by a lake
Toughest hike and why: Last summer we (my co-workers and I) organized a crowdfunding project for Stop Parkinson, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease by raising funds for scientific research.
We climbed the highest point of the Vosges Mountains in France. It was the first time since my diagnosis that I took on such a challenge, therefore I put quite a lot of pressure on myself to complete it. With walking unfortunately being one of my biggest obstacles, I definitely was anxious about it! Because of Parkinson’s, my left leg has difficulty moving, so I often limp. But it was so worth it, and the view was amazing!
Most proud of related to exercising: I think what I am most proud of is the ability to bounce back when I feel defeated and push myself to keep moving and keep trying.
Outdoor or exercise gear that is a must: Probably my knee sleeves, wrist straps, and my headphones, if that counts.
Advice for someone recently diagnosed who wants to stay active: Try to find that balance between knowing when to push yourself that little bit more and when not to. Exercise is key with this disease, but so is rest and recovery when your body and mind are fatigued.
Advice for someone with PD who is just starting to exercise: Set goals for yourself, no matter how big or small they are. For example, get at least 5,000 steps a day or get 15 minutes of exercise each day. Parkinson’s apathy is real, and setting goals and tracking your progress will help you to keep yourself motivated.
Biggest challenge with Parkinson’s right now: I’d say my biggest challenge right now is the motor fluctuations I experience where I get biphasic dyskinesia and dystonia with every dose of levodopa, and fighting through that pain and discomfort.
How I try to stay positive: I embrace the dark days for what they are and do not dwell on them or project myself into the future. Rather, I just try to live day by day. Looking at my son is all the motivation I need.
Advocacy work for PD: Just my IG page. I was on some podcasts, too (Pretty Dope Women, Together for Sharon, Parky for Parkinson’s), and did an interview for the local newspaper as well as some blog interviews. Also did the climbing for Parkinson’s crowdfunding I mentioned earlier to raise money for scientific research.
Other interests/hobbies: snowboarding, drawing, and I’m a big fan of F1 and poetry.
Career field: I still work +/- 30 hours a week as a case manager for a specific region in a social housing company.
How to find me online: You can find me on IG @my_fight_against_pd
She rests on the stairs of the structure on top of the French mountain “Le Grand Ballon.”
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If you have Parkinson’s and the outdoors and exercise are part of your life, you could be featured in Unshakable Voices, too. Email unshakablehiker@gmail.com.