On Friday September 6, 30 colleagues took up the challenge to ride the Eleven Cities Cycle Tour for Matchis, the Dutch centre for stem cell donors. A beautiful tour through the eleven cities off Friesland, with a very special goal in mind, creating more attention for stem cell donation.
Every year, thousands of people in the Netherlands are told that they have a form of blood cancer. A patient with this form of cancer can be cured thanks to healthy stem cells from a donor. However, the chance of a suitable donor is small, so it is important that as many people as possible register to become a donor. With this in mind, my colleagues set off and started the journey of 100 or 235 kilometers, nothing held them back! Even the heavy rain and strong wind could not compete with the enthusiasm and willpower of my colleagues.
I was also in Bolsward where, together with Janine van Iterson from Matchis and another colleague, I handed out flyers to create more awareness among people about stem cell donation. So, we have also been on the road to recruit as many donors as possible. Thanks to everyone's efforts, enthusiasm, dedication and the sponsors, the registration costs of approximately 660 new donors can be covered. Isn't that great?
The feeling of togetherness and the will to make a difference makes this day unforgettable. Would you also like to contribute or become a stem cell donor? Then take a look at the Matchis website. Together we can save lives!
Eliza Akkermans – communications intern
View an impression of the bike tour below: