Margriet Talstra, 42, from Hoorn, said her life changed dramatically in 2025 after she was diagnosed with incurable Parkinson’s disease and her 13-year relationship ended. She had experienced unexplained muscle and walking problems for about two years before receiving the diagnosis in September 2025. She has three children and remains able to work full-time, although she experiences muscle tension in her left leg and a tremor in her left arm. Medication partly suppresses the symptoms, which recur several times a day, particularly during stressful moments.

Talstra said she had considered selling her horse, Pien, because caring for the animal had become financially difficult as a single mother. Her friends organized an aid campaign that raised more than €14,000, allowing her to keep the horse. Talstra said that being open about her illness and the support from her children, friends and others help her cope, and that she now focuses more on enjoying everyday moments.