Marije is almost 32 years old and has been living with bowel cancer for four years. Despite being diagnosed with an incurable disease, she remains strong and positive. She works, exercises and shows that hope is always possible, even in difficult moments. Together with her sister Laurien, she is an ambassador for the Dutch Digestive Health Fund, raising awareness and supporting research into bowel cancer.
The diagnosis that changed her life
In January 2021, Marije was diagnosed with bowel cancer. From that moment on, she underwent an intense course of chemotherapy and radiation treatments and was given a stoma, which she lovingly calls Nemo. After a year of rehabilitation, she seemed to be able to pick up her life again, until a follow-up scan changed everything again. ‘It really looked very bad. The cancer had spread, and it felt like everything was collapsing."
Since two years, Marije has been living with the knowledge that a cure is not possible anymore. Yet she tries to look beyond her illness. ’Every treatment that works gives hope. I focus on what is possible.’
Sports as strength and motivation
For Marije, sports are more than just exercise; it is a way to stay mentally and physically strong. She still plays field hockey and regularly visits the gym. ‘The social aspect of sports means a lot to me. It brings me together with friends and gives me energy, even if my body sometimes resists.’
Together with Laurien, she wants to inspire others to take action. They feel it is essential to draw attention to the impact of bowel cancer and the importance of research. ‘Bowel cancer is my story, but also that of many others. I want to create awareness and support research.’
Seize the day
Marije's outlook on life has changed. Where she initially felt mainly fear, she now lives more consciously. ’At first you think: it's over. But that is not the case. Life goes on, and I want to continue to live as normally as possible. Of course there are difficult days, but that is part of it. For me it is important to do the things that my peers do, and to continue to enjoy life. Seize the day and live each day, because that is what it is all about.’
Why Marije and Laurien are committed to Dutch Digestive Health Fund
As sisters, Laurien and Marije have always shared a strong bond, but now their bond has taken on a deeper meaning. With Marije's diagnosis, it has become their mission to work together to help others and raise awareness.
For that reason they have joined Dutch Digestive Health Fund as ambassadors. With their story they want to draw attention to the impact of bowel cancer and the importance of research to enable better treatments. ‘I won't get better, but the person after me might,’ says Marije.
"I am proud to be this year's head of fundraising week, which focuses on bowel cancer. As an ambassador for Dutch Digestive Health Fund, I want to inspire people to help support bowel cancer research. You can make a difference! Sign up to collect donations during fundraising week from 16 to 21 June. Together we can raise awareness and support for research."