Dozens of people had a tattoo done at Danny’s Tattoo Place in Eindhoven on Saturday to help Robbie Hageman. The famous kickboxer has been battling a brain tumor for three years. He now needs special treatment in the US. Nearly half a million euros must be collected for this. All proceeds from the tattoo shop will go to the fundraiser on Saturday.
Tattoo shop owner Danny Lodewijks had heard of Robbie Hageman (31), but did not know him. When he saw the fundraiser for the kickboxer, he decided to take action. By putting as many small tattoos of forty euros as possible, he hopes to be able to donate a nice amount.
The tattoo artist has a full business all Saturday. “It is heartwarming that people from all over the country and even Belgium come for a tattoo to help Robbie. That makes me really proud,” says Danny.
Robbie will also be present in the store on Saturday. “It’s very special that he does this for someone he doesn’t actually know. Danny is an example for others,” says the kickboxer.
Danny started putting the first tattoos at seven in the morning. “I started in the dark and I’ll end in the dark. I’ll keep going until everyone has their tattoo.” He already had thirty registrations in advance, but people also showed up spontaneously. People have even come by to donate money just like that.
“Very special to be able to put that tattoo.”
Anita, the kickboxer’s mother, is also in the chair for a tattoo on Saturday. “Robbie knew nothing,” says Danny. “It was very special to get that tattoo.”
While her grandchildren watch, Anita is given a special picture. “It’s our Robbie: The Rabbit with his signature. So it’s really a personal thing,” she says. The kickboxers nickname and logo is ‘The Rabbit’.
“You do everything to survive, of course.”
Mother Anita is touched by the fact that the whole place is full of people. “Robbie really wants to go to America, because they are much further there with the treatment of brain tumors.” But the treatment of 475,000 euros is not reimbursed by the insurance. Every little bit helps, according to his mother. “Because of course you do everything to survive.”
Joeri Jans also gets a tattoo. He came all the way from Neerpelt, Belgium. “I had been thinking about getting a tattoo in honor of my two children for some time. When I saw this action, I took the plunge.” He has opted for a picture of two simple dolls with the initials of his children.
“I’ve just seen his children, then you know what you’re doing it for.”
15-year-old Danisha van Straaten is in the tattoo parlor with her mother. “I’ve wanted a tattoo for a while. My mother saw this action and I thought that was a great moment, because you also help someone.” The teenager from Udenhout has chosen the date of birth of her deceased father.
“I’ve just seen Robbie’s children, so you know what you’re doing it for. I hope they don’t have to miss their father for a while yet,” says Danisha. In the meantime, through the crowdfunding raised almost a ton for the treatment of the kickboxer.
