Model in the spotlight - Astrid
Posted on Friday 7 August 2026 Reading time: 3.5 minute
How is Astrid today?
Scleroderma, Raynaud's and Me
Together forever. We have been an inseparable trio for more than twenty years now. We have learned to rely on one another: the constricting nature of Raynaud's, the stubbornness of scleroderma, and my own determination to keep going.
Our journey began with a diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon. Not long afterwards, as is often the case in women, systemic sclerosis entered my life as well.
At one point, a doctor even told me not to be too optimistic about the future. She said I might only have ten years left to live, or at least that I probably would not reach the age of fifty.
Well. I am fifty-seven now.
Fortunately, our rheumatologist at the time immediately took action, and I have always been grateful for that.
Over the years, I have experienced a great deal of pain, especially in my hands. Eventually, I had to give up my greatest hobby: badminton. My body needed several days to recover after every match, and it simply became too much.
Today, the tip of my right index finger has, in a way, auto-amputated due to the disease, and my middle finger is showing similar signs.
To help improve the circulation in my hands, I receive an annual course of Iloprost treatment at Radboud University Medical Center, preferably just before winter. This medication helps dilate my blood vessels, particularly in my fingers.
My lungs have also been affected. As I write this, I have recently started medication to treat lung fibrosis. I hope we can keep the disease under control. I notice that I become short of breath more easily and that my fitness has declined.
But despite everything, I still keep moving.
To this day, I continue to run so that I can take part in the 5K at the Breda Singelloop at least once a year. Recently, a friend and I started training together again—outdoors whenever we can, or on the treadmill when the weather is bad—gradually building up towards race day.
I also had the opportunity to be photographed by Hans Peter van Velthoven. Because I was away on holiday, I could not participate in one of the shoots with other models, so we arranged a private photo session instead.
At first, I was not very comfortable with the idea of being a model. But during the session, and especially while Hans Peter carefully guided me into different poses, I gradually gained confidence. The experience helped me see myself differently.
As he pressed the shutter, he smiled and said enthusiastically, "This is rock 'n' roll!".
And there is another beautiful part of my story.
Since 2016, we have been organising beer tastings and charity evenings. Five years ago, these events came together under one name: the ScleroHop Beer Festival.
It has grown into a true family event in Breda, featuring craft beer tastings, live music, and activities for children.
Over the years, the festival has brought wonderful friendships into our lives. We have met incredible people who support us in countless ways.
Because one thing is certain:
Scleroderma brings people together.
All proceeds from the festival are donated to the Scleroderma Framed Foundation, helping to raise awareness of scleroderma through photography, art, and personal stories.
If you would like to join us, we would love to welcome you on 22 August at Rietdijk 6, Breda, the Netherlands.
Scleroderma, Raynaud's and Me
Together forever. We have been an inseparable trio for more than twenty years now. We have learned to rely on one another: the constricting nature of Raynaud's, the stubbornness of scleroderma, and my own determination to keep going.
Our journey began with a diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon. Not long afterwards, as is often the case in women, systemic sclerosis entered my life as well.
At one point, a doctor even told me not to be too optimistic about the future. She said I might only have ten years left to live, or at least that I probably would not reach the age of fifty.
Well. I am fifty-seven now.
Fortunately, our rheumatologist at the time immediately took action, and I have always been grateful for that.
Over the years, I have experienced a great deal of pain, especially in my hands. Eventually, I had to give up my greatest hobby: badminton. My body needed several days to recover after every match, and it simply became too much.
Today, the tip of my right index finger has, in a way, auto-amputated due to the disease, and my middle finger is showing similar signs.
To help improve the circulation in my hands, I receive an annual course of Iloprost treatment at Radboud University Medical Center, preferably just before winter. This medication helps dilate my blood vessels, particularly in my fingers.
My lungs have also been affected. As I write this, I have recently started medication to treat lung fibrosis. I hope we can keep the disease under control. I notice that I become short of breath more easily and that my fitness has declined.
But despite everything, I still keep moving.
To this day, I continue to run so that I can take part in the 5K at the Breda Singelloop at least once a year. Recently, a friend and I started training together again—outdoors whenever we can, or on the treadmill when the weather is bad—gradually building up towards race day.
I also had the opportunity to be photographed by Hans Peter van Velthoven. Because I was away on holiday, I could not participate in one of the shoots with other models, so we arranged a private photo session instead.
At first, I was not very comfortable with the idea of being a model. But during the session, and especially while Hans Peter carefully guided me into different poses, I gradually gained confidence. The experience helped me see myself differently.
As he pressed the shutter, he smiled and said enthusiastically, "This is rock 'n' roll!".
And there is another beautiful part of my story.
Since 2016, we have been organising beer tastings and charity evenings. Five years ago, these events came together under one name: the ScleroHop Beer Festival.
It has grown into a true family event in Breda, featuring craft beer tastings, live music, and activities for children.
Over the years, the festival has brought wonderful friendships into our lives. We have met incredible people who support us in countless ways.
Because one thing is certain:
Scleroderma brings people together.
All proceeds from the festival are donated to the Scleroderma Framed Foundation, helping to raise awareness of scleroderma through photography, art, and personal stories.
If you would like to join us, we would love to welcome you on 22 August at Rietdijk 6, Breda, the Netherlands.
