October 18, 2024

Maik: 'If you're fit, all challenges become easier'

Tough race through the Scottish Highlands, between chemo and radiation treatments

When friends Maik and Thijs turned 40, they took on a sporting challenge: the Rat Race Coast to Coast in the rugged Scottish Highlands. One hundred miles, or 34 kilometers of running, 127 kilometers of cycling, and a mile of kayaking. Shortly after registering, Maik was diagnosed with lymphoma. Nevertheless, they persevered with the race. And they started a fundraiser for the Youth Fund: "Every child should have the opportunity to participate in sports. Because if you're fit, all challenges become easier."

"What started as a wild idea grew into a major milestone," Maik explains. How did that happen? "Two months after registering for the Scottish Rat Race, my left arm swelled up while exercising." At first, Maik thought his arm was strained from training, but after several tests, it turned out he had a tumor in his breast. "I kept training and lived as healthily as possible. However, the tumor was pinching the arteries to my arm and heart. As a result, my heart rate was much too high and my circulation wasn't optimal, so you get acidic much faster and get tired more quickly. We adjusted our goal twice: from aiming for a fast time to enjoying the race and reaching the finish. Later, simply showing up at the starting line became our goal."

It's a warm feeling that so many people want to support this cause.

Fortunately, Maik has a highly treatable form of lymphoma. "I realized that I recover well because I exercise and live a healthy lifestyle. And also how important it is that every child has the opportunity to experience the power of health and easy recovery, regardless of their financial situation. That's why we started a fundraiser for the Youth Fund." It was a resounding success. "A few hours after the fundraiser went live, we had already raised €1,000. A month later, we had raised €3,185. I'm incredibly moved by the fact that so many people care about me and want to support this cause."

Pulled through by friendship, bracelets and donations

After 10 months of training, numerous hospital visits, and eight rounds of chemotherapy, the day finally arrived on September 14th. Maik: “The first part was a 12-kilometer run, with a slight incline. Then you get on your bike for 125 kilometers of climbing and descending. But I underestimated the elevation gain and the Scottish weather. On top of that, you were nearly blown off your bike by a fierce headwind both on the climbs and descents. With downpours thrown in for good measure, it was a real struggle. I ran into myself about 20 times and had a few mental breakdowns. But then I thought of Thijs, who was always waiting for me and really pulled me through. I looked at the bracelets my daughters had made and thought of all the support and donations from everyone. Then I could carry on.”

Suffering with a smile

Until Maik felt it was enough. “After 10.5 hours of slogging, my body told me it wasn't safe to continue. We didn't make it to the finish. But we decided it was okay; we ended up running 12 kilometers, cycling 127 kilometers, and enduring the Scottish elements. It was an experience I'll never forget; I'm so glad I did it. And even though I was dying over and over again, every time Thijs was waiting for me, I arrived with a smile, and we continued together.”

I would like to experience this again

Maik is in the middle of radiation treatments to prevent the cancer from returning. But secretly, he's already feeling the itch. "First, I'll work on my recovery until my body shows signs of normalcy. But who knows, maybe we'll try again in a few years. Because despite the hardship, I enjoyed the whole experience so much that I'd like to do it again, and so would Thijs."

Would you like to support Maik – and therefore the children – too? There's still time!
>> Go to the campaign page and support the 'Dutch40' campaign!

Would you also like to start a campaign?
>> Look how easy that is.