Pieter was diagnosed with MS in 2006 and is an active member and supporter of the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP). In addition to his extensive work with EMSP, he is a self-employed freelance trainer and consultant, with broad professional experience as a speaker and has experience working with different stakeholders like patient organizations and pharma companies. Pieter feels that MS is sometimes misunderstood since often, on the outside, there are no physical symptoms, but mobility, fatigue and other symptoms can play a large role in day-to-day life for people with MS.

Through his advocacy work, he hopes to help raise awareness of MS, improve patients’ experiences and empower others. Pieter has been an active member of the MS21 Advisory Group since 2016. He is proud to be one of the authors on the first MS in the 21^st Century manuscript to be co-authored by people with MS and healthcare professionals, and over the years he has presented at a number of international congresses representing MS in the 21^st Century.