Laurence, 37 years old, works at Belgian pharmaceutical company UCB in the department developing new molecules for patients with neurological and autoimmune diseases. She lives in Belgium with her husband and their two children, aged 5 and 9. Together, they spend a lot of time outside, especially in the mountains. They are passionate about outdoor sports: running, mountain biking, and hiking. These moments in the fresh air are what recharge them the most.
Volunteer role: Ambassador for “Tulips for Hope” 2025: selling packs of tulip bulbs to friends, family and colleagues.
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How do you support the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity?
After several years of participating in the 20 km of Brussels wearing the charity’s T-shirt, I wanted to do more and get involved as a volunteer for ‘Tulips for Hope’. This allowed me to meet the charity’s team during an evening spent packaging the bulbs—a very friendly, warm, and motivating moment.
I then used the UCB network to raise awareness about the initiative. My colleagues responded with incredible enthusiasm. The entire stock was sold in record time. This experience gave me the feeling of having made a real contribution while also creating connections with other people who care about this cause.
Why did you choose to support research to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease?
My grandmother lived the last years of her life with Parkinson’s disease. She passed away in 2020. I always admired her courage in facing a disease that significantly limited her physically, while remaining mentally very sharp. For example, she had an impressive passion for Egyptian history, a subject she knew inside out. I often wondered what it must have been like for her to see her body changing while remaining so lucid.
During the moments that I handed over the tulip bulb packages (to those who had bought them), I had the opportunity to speak with several colleagues who also had a loved one affected by the disease. These conversations were very meaningful and reminded me how essential research is.
What advice would you give to others who want to organise an initiative to support Parkinson’s disease research?
There are countless possible ideas—even those that may seem unrealistic at first can be done. My advice would be not to hesitate to contact the charity: they support and help nurture projects with great enthusiasm. The fight against the disease is far from over, and every initiative, big or small, has a real impact.
What is your favourite motto to guide your life?
It’s not really a motto but rather a sentence I once read at a colleague’s desk and carefully wrote down because it helps me when making difficult choices: “Only those who do nothing make no mistakes.” In life, you have to dare. Sometimes you will make mistakes, but if you never try anything, you miss wonderful opportunities in a life that passes by very quickly.