Gabriëlle den Hollander-Beijer (43) is a primary school teacher and co-founder of the Cure ADOA Foundation. She lives in Goudswaard, is married to Leendert and has two teenage daughters. About fifteen years ago she was diagnosed with ADOA-plus. Her attitude? Put your shoulders to the wheel and focus on what is possible.
To prove the opposite
In the fifth grade, Gabriëlle began having difficulty with her hearing and vision. Sometimes she couldn't understand the teacher or read what was written on the board properly. Because her father has ADOA-plus, she was referred to an eye hospital. Little was done there about her complaints. At sixteen, she received contact lenses, but they didn't help and her energy levels declined. Eventually, she was diagnosed with optic atrophy. A doctor told her that she would become visually impaired or possibly blind, wouldn't be able to get a driver's license, and that it would be better not to smoke or drink. An impactful message that turned her outlook on the future upside down.
Gabriëlle completed her SPW training and started working as a classroom assistant because she doubted whether primary teacher training (PABO) was feasible. But standing in front of a class independently remained her dream, so she decided to give it a try anyway. Many teachers were positive, until one said: “Can’t you read this? Then you will never become a teacher.” That moment proved to be a turning point for Gabrielle. Looking back, she says: “I thought: I’ll show you! And I passed that course on the first try.”
“Speak out what you can do and what your strength is.”
Happy in the classroom
At the age of twenty-eight, Gabriëlle was diagnosed with ADOA-plus following extensive testing. Due to a defect in the OPA1 gene, cells receive insufficient energy. As a result, in addition to vision problems, hearing issues, for example, also arise. That diagnosis brought clarity, direction, and decisiveness. Gabriëlle learned to be open about her strengths and challenges, including during subsequent job applications. Driven by her love for education, she found her place as a teacher at a primary school close to home.
She is very honest with her students. “I acknowledge that I have poor eyesight and explain how I experience things. That I see the same thing one step away from the board as they do ten steps away.” Using a magnifying device, she structures her lessons to be as simple as possible and consciously creates a sense of calm and closeness in the classroom. “I aim for a positive group dynamic where everyone listens well to each other. I walk around during class discussions and deliberately seek out the children. That helps me to hear well, and for them, it creates a pleasant atmosphere. So, a win-win situation.”
Bike more often
At home, Gabriëlle shows the same positive attitude. Sometimes she feels guilty that she can't take her daughters everywhere by car. But the conversation about it offers a beautiful perspective. “My youngest said recently: the train is fun too, isn't it? And they are happy when we get to sit in the front row at a concert or a musical. Of course, they find it annoying that they sometimes have to say things twice. But neither my husband nor I make a big deal out of it, and it doesn't outweigh everything that does work out. I work, exercise, and do fun things. I don't miss anything that anyone else does, so neither do they. They just ride their bikes a little more often.”
Meaningful contribution
Gabriëlle draws a lot of energy from her work for the Cure ADOA Foundation. Beautiful encounters and valuable friendships have emerged from it. She emphasizes how important it is to work together: to share knowledge and experiences and to pave the way for research and treatment, together with people from all over the world. “Curing ADOA would of course be the best outcome, but slowing the disease is also a goal. So that no one has to lose their sight or hearing compared to how it is now. I am very proud of our international network. It is a warm embrace, also for future generations, so that they do not have to go through the same search as I did.”
On behalf of the foundation, Gabriëlle is closely involved in organizing the annual ADOA-plus meeting. In 2026, around thirty participants met. What does she personally want to say to fellow sufferers? That so much *is* possible, even with ADOA-plus. “Of course there are difficult moments, but share your story with others and then pick yourself up again. Keep your energy levels balanced and try to think in terms of solutions. Then a great deal really is possible.”
Read more on our page about ADOA-plusWould you like to join the WhatsApp group for fellow sufferers with ADOA-plus? Send an email to Gabriëlle to sign up. Or Make us happy with a donation, with which you contribute to research and treatment.
Text: Ankie Geenen
Image: Personal photo by Gabriëlle den Hollander-Beijer
