Cautiously good news for 19-year-old Willem van Ansem from Bakel. After he became blind in both eyes two years ago during New Year’s Eve, he can finally see a little again and walk independently. “And sometimes I secretly cycle home alone,” he laughs. Although his mother doesn’t like that.
When Willem lit a broken flare with his cigarette during New Year’s Eve 2023-2024, things went wrong. “The arrow immediately exploded.” From that moment on he can remember little. A few months and many operations later, he could only see the difference between light and dark.
Walking independently
Fortunately, the down-to-earth Bakelaar is now doing a lot better. “I recognize my friends in the pub, I can walk independently in familiar places without holding anyone’s shoulders and I can see the packaging in the supermarket again. That makes everything more fun and easier.”
Warning others is the most important reason for appearing in the media. “Be careful when drinking in advance. Always put on fireworks glasses and also pay attention to whether people are too close,” was his message in 2024. That message remains the same.
Corneal transplantation
Willem is on the list for a corneal transplant. “I have no idea when that will happen, but if I can see more with such a damaged cornea, I think it will only get better with a clear cornea.” As soon as possible, he would like to resume his old job as a freight sidewall mechanic.
Willem’s mother Anke is very proud of her son’s optimistic outlook. “Because he is so positive, we also have a positive attitude about it.” But that hasn’t always been the case. “Our whole lives were turned upside down. You wouldn’t wish something like that on anyone.”
Now that Willem is slowly seeing better, he is increasingly exploring his limits. “That is not always easy. It is very difficult for him to describe what he does and does not see. So how are we supposed to determine what he is and is not allowed to see?”
Friends and girlfriend by his side
Sometimes Willem secretly cycles home alone. “Then he cycled one and a half kilometers alone. Fortunately, his girlfriend follows behind in the car. But yes, as a mother you don’t think: Nice! You did well!”, says his mother.
These were two eventful years, but Willem still looks back with warm feelings. “I have also experienced beautiful things. For example, I have friends who do everything for me and want to give everything. And your girlfriend who stays with you when you experience something like that. If it has already happened, it is better to look at the beautiful things rather than the unpleasant things.”