Utrecht, 30 October 2023 - Besides the physical effects of cancer, many cancer patients also experience mental symptoms. Cancer can cause feelings of anxiety, extreme fatigue and depressive thoughts. As a result, people can become mentally stuck. The Helen Dowling Institute provides professional psychological care and conducts research to continuously improve it. For this, money is needed. Royal Jaarbeurs is happy to contribute to a healthier city and region based on its sustainability objectives and has designated the Helen Dowling Institute as a new charity.
The Helen Dowling Institute has been in existence for 35 years and has branches in Bilthoven and Utrecht, among other places. The practitioners combine medical knowledge about cancer with highly specialised knowledge of the mental consequences of this disease. General director Hanneke Haanraadts: "We are happy to join forces with Jaarbeurs for a better quality of life with cancer. Support like this enables us to conduct research into the best psychological care and thus make a difference in the life of someone who is mentally stuck by cancer."
Social responsibility
By supporting local charities, Jaarbeurs invests in a healthier city and region, for now and in the future. For example, Dutch Health Hub, an initiative of Jaarbeurs, is a partner of the Helen Dowling Institute. Last Saturday, 28 October, Jaarbeurs hosted the Helen Dowling Institute's annual benefit gala. Jaarbeurs provided a number of appealing auction items whose proceeds went entirely to the benefit of the institute. "We are happy to contribute to the mission of the Helen Dowling Institute. The mental side of this life-threatening disease deserves more attention. By investing in this, we prevent people from getting stuck and dropping out. This is important not only for these people, but for their families and the companies where they work. Moreover, it is a great addition to the other charity we already support: the Princess Máxima Centre, which focuses on curing childhood cancer," said Jeroen van Hooff, CEO Royal Jaarbeurs. "The benefit gala raised over 200,000 euros. Thanks to medical advances, people are fortunately living longer and longer with or after cancer. But unfortunately, for many it proves difficult to pick up the threads. The money will be used to investigate the best way to help these people. It is impressive to see with what passion the staff and volunteers of the Helen Dowling Institute dedicate themselves to this group. I am glad that we from Jaarbeurs can contribute to make this research possible," he adds.
Can I still see her going to school?
The Helen Dowling Institute treats some 2,500 people a year who have been affected by cancer and need professional help to pick up or complete their lives again. Like Daan. "When I heard I had bladder cancer I immediately thought: I'm going to die. For me, cancer meant the end of your life. In my mind I kept seeing myself lying in my coffin, with my family around it. Then I knew: I won't get out of this by myself." Daan was treated at the Helen Dowling Institute for his intense fears. Nienke is also in treatment there with her husband. "When we heard that I am not getting better, our lives changed dramatically. We have a little girl of almost three and all I can think is: can I still see her going to school? What do I want for her future? What will I leave behind? While peers are building their lives, I am rounding off mine. That has a huge impact, on the whole family."
