Jan van Kessel (70) from Vessem died on Tuesday. In early June, he told how, while battling acute leukemia, he was working on a promise to his late daughter Kim. Shortly before his death he saw how his song Cheers to You! appeared and the fundraising campaign reached the goal of 10,000 euros.
On May 29, Cheers to You!, an ode to Kim, who died in 2020 at the age of 37 from breast cancer, was published. Jan had promised her on her deathbed to make a song for her. “Yes, Dad, you should do that,” was her response at the time.
Been working on the song for years
Jan worked on the song for years together with a producer. Despite his own illness, he saw the song released. Of Cheers to You! he wanted to not only honor his daughter, but also raise money for it No Guts No Glory Foundationwhich offers people with cancer a musical bright spot.
The fundraising campaign raised thousands of euros within a few days. Jan ultimately hoped to raise at least 10,000 euros for the foundation. He has achieved that goal: the counter now stands at 10,950 euros. This also makes that last wish come true.
Positive until the end
Jan also remained remarkably positive in his last weeks. From his hospital bed, he said he hoped people would gain support and strength from the song. “Staying positive is the best medicine,” he said at the time.
Jan van Kessel is 70 years old.