Small moments, big impact
Remco de Rijke
From personal experiences with illness in his immediate surroundings, he saw how one group is often unintentionally overlooked: children with a sick (grand)parent. Precisely for them there is often little specific attention, while the impact on their daily lives is significant.
Stichting Walcheren voor Lotgenoten
Remco de Rijke, a former HZ student, has been nominated with his initiative Stichting Walcheren voor Lotgenoten for his remarkable commitment to families dealing with cancer.
Where most support is naturally focused on the patient, Remco and the foundation deliberately choose to place the family around them at the center. Especially children in these situations do not always get the space to express their feelings, worries, and questions.
Annual pampering day
That is why the foundation organizes an annual “pampering day” where children receive full attention. A day without hospital visits, difficult conversations, or medical concerns, but filled with joy, relaxation, and above all the chance to simply be a child. Although the name suggests otherwise, the pampering day is not only for residents of Walcheren, but for families from all over Zeeland.
The simplicity of the initiative is what makes it so powerful. It is not about large-scale care programs or complex trajectories, but about creating a warm, safe environment where families can catch their breath. Children meet peers who understand what they are going through, parents find recognition and support, and connection arises without illness constantly being central.
Although the initiative revolves around one special day per year, its impact extends far beyond that. Families take the positive experience into their daily lives and feel less alone during a difficult period. At the same time, the network around the foundation grows as volunteers, schools and local organizations help make the day possible.
Growing involvement
The increasing interest highlights the great need for such initiatives. This year, the pampering day is fully booked with as many as 250 registrations, clearly showing the demand and impact. More and more families find their way to the foundation, while regional involvement continues to grow. Step by step, a sustainable network is emerging for a group that is often overlooked.
With his efforts, Remco shows that real social impact does not always lie in large structures or complex solutions, but in sincere attention, commitment and humanity.
