Stay Active
Mentally, physically, and emotionally keep moving. Days when I feel I can do anything, I do a little less. When I feel I can't do anything, I do a little more.
A quest for knowledge, understanding, and compassion. One bicycle world traveler suffering from Spondyloarthritis (SpA) has decided to continue living her life against all odds and with a new-found purpose.
A PROJECT IS BORN
Laetitia, on the road since 2009, has recently been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of SpA. That could have been the end of the road, instead, it is the beginning of another journey.
OUR MISSION
We aim to raise awareness for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and other forms of Spondyloarthritis, act as advocates, learn the tools that help to manage the disease, and pass those tools on. Also, we encourage others to get involved, to understand what SpA is and what they can do about it.
A VOICE ON THE ROAD
Constantly moving into the unknown realms of AS and of the world, we mean to bring together people from different cultures, communicate beyond language and unite across borders; we strive to strengthen the community of people affected by AS.
1.5
the Percent of the Population estimated to have Spondyloarthritis
5
the average number of years before diagnosis
28
the age when Laetitia's first symptoms started to appear
24438
the yearly cost of treatment in USD
Have you heard about Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)?
We hadn’t heard of it until Laetitia was diagnosed with it. But there are more people with AS than with multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined.
WHAT IS IT?
It is an inflammatory form of arthritis that you can get at any age. Like all forms of Spondyloarthritis, it is an invisible illness.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Inflammation causing chronic pain, stiffness, and fatigue are the daily challenges. In severe cases, it causes the vertebrae to fuse together creating one long bone, also known as bamboo spine.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN THE PAIN IS AS?
AS often takes time to diagnose. It may take years of suffering, a team of medical professionals, blood tests, MRI’s and X-rays before a diagnosis is made and treatment can begin.
IS THERE A CURE?
Currently, there is no known cure for AS. There are a few different treatments that may help to manage the symptoms, though the effectiveness varies patient to patient.
Your illness does not define you, your strength and courage does.
So I have Ankylosing Spondylitis… now what?
For Laetitia that means keep on going, keep living on the road, staying active and so much more. We are getting back on the bikes and are heading for the next horizon, connecting with the world around us, and passing on the love and compassion that we pick up along the way.
Believe in Yourself
AS took away my physical strength but I worked to keep believing that I would find a way to go on
Keep Dreaming!
When even getting out of bed seems impossible, I remind myself that AS can not take away my dreams.
Take charge of your illness!
Question, listen, learn, then act. Laetitia: I'm finding a treatment regime that suits me.
Share the dream and keep on living it!
MEET THE TEAM
A Swiss who had ridden more than 30,000km to China and meet a Canadian at a martial arts school. Since then, their roads became one, and the bicycle tour bug was passed on. Together they have cycled about 10,000km through China, Alaska, Canada, Taiwan, Italy and Switzerland. Today they have created the Hope in Motion project and will continue the journey!
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