A climb against child cancer
A journey to the highest point in Africa. I’ll be climbing the Kilimanjaro in the summer of 2024 as aclimb against child cancer.
As people we have dreams, and my dream as an eight-year-old girl was to help the people inneed in Africa and am going to make that dream come true. I had no notion how I wanted to make this happen when I was so young, until last year.
My 15-year-old brother was diagnosed with lymphoma. He beat cancer to fight an exceedingly difficult, painful, exhausting, and especially unfair battle against his own body. But just fighting doesn’t cure you.
With knowledge, doctors/ nurses, and hospitals as we have in the Netherlands, three out of fourchildren survive cancer.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for many places in the world. Most children in Africa do not have access to healthcare, due to the lack of healthcare professionals and the right knowledge and facilities. As of today, only one out of ten children that are diagnosedwith cancer will be survivors.
To make changes happen, we have to transmit knowledge and expertise as we have in the Netherlands to children’s cancer hospitals in Tanzania and Kenya. Hopefully, eventually, every child in the world can dream about their future after cancer.
A few months ago, when Nynke was once again passionately talking about this initiative,
suddenly the question arose: “What would you think about joining me on this journey?
Without a moment’s hesitation, I replied with a resounding “Yes!” Ever since Nynke’s idea first
took shape and I started hearing more about it – not just the Kilimanjaro climb itself (which
promises to be quite the adventure), but also the overarching mission – my enthusiasm has only
grown. So when the question of joining in came, I didn’t think twice.
Health is one of the most crucial aspects of every individual’s life, and that’s why I consider it of
utmost importance to lend a helping hand to those in need. It’s worth noting that not everyone
has the same resources to make a difference, and that’s precisely why I believe this initiative can
play a role in expanding and enhancing healthcare options.
A little something about me: I’m Madelief, a 21-year-old Medical student based in Groningen. I
have a deep love for nature, staying active, immersing myself in books, cherishing moments with
my dear friends and family, and indulging in (board) games!
Since I was young, I’ve always sought ways to support others whenever possible, whether it was organizing a weekly bake sale withfriends during my elementary school days (with a portion of the proceeds going to a local charity) or taking on roles like chairing the social goals committee of our student association.
I’m eagerly anticipating embarking on this adventure alongside Nynke and, of course, putting our
best foot forward to raise as much funds as we can (with your generous assistance)!
Warm regards,
Madelief
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Een initiatief van Nynke Slooten in samenwerking met World Child Cancer
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