In Zuidwolde today, more than a hundred people attract their hiking shoes. They don’t just do that, but for charity. In fact, money is collected for cancer research, during the Walk & Dance to Fight Cancer event.
Mirthe Aalfs (20) is in the middle of the flags and smiling faces. A young girl from Hoogeveen, who was diagnosed with cancer last September. It turned out to be an Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, which was in her back muscle. After nine months of heavy chemotherapy and a major operation, she was declared cancer -free this summer.
“The question is whether I will be completely old again,” Mirthe says honestly. During the operation a large piece of muscle was removed from her back. That is why she walks with crutches today, but she still shines. “I’m stuck in bed early tonight,” she says laughing. “But this afternoon I will just walk the five kilometers.”
Wieger Janssens from Niquell Events opens the day. “The route goes through forest paths, over narrow unpaved roads and along obstacles. Very symbolic of what life can look like, and certainly for what life feels with cancer.”
Although Mirthe is the center of the event today as an ambassador, she is not the only one with a special story. For example, four people pass by with a blue shirt with the text ‘Team Jonny’ on it. Linda ten Cate is one of those four, she will choke the laces firmly. “The T-shirt is my husband, Jonny, he died in June from the effects of eye melanoma.” We have walked so many paths together, “she says softly.” He looks stuck from above today and gives us a boost. “
René Uitwijk Winkel also runs in the same blue shirt, he thinks about his brother while walking. “Through research he got another two more years and you grant everyone for two years. That’s why I am walking along today.”
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