From December 18 to December 24, 2024, the iconic Glazen Huis of 3FM Serious Request is set up in Zwolle, dedicated to raising money for research on metabolic diseases affecting children. This year, the initiative directly supports Metakids, which funds research aimed at finding treatments for these often-deadly conditions.
Metabolic disorders, known as stofwisselingsziekten, pose significant health challenges, with every day seeing the birth of one child diagnosed with such diseases. According to the UMCG (University Medical Center Groningen), there is insufficient public awareness about these conditions, which lead to tragic outcomes for many children. To combat this silent crisis, 3FM Serious Request is rallying support around Metakids to fund potential therapies involving gene therapy and medical diets.
The importance of this initiative can't be overstated. At the Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis (children's hospital) of UMCG, significant research is being conducted on rare hereditary metabolic disorders. This year's Serious Request not only raises money but also shines light on these deadly diseases and the desperate need for research funding.
Every day during the campaign, staff and patients at UMCG are taking action to raise funds. Employees from the research laboratory of Pediatric Medicine have already set off on marathon walks and bike rides toward Zwolle, turning their daily work struggles and triumphs for the benefit of children suffering from metabolic disorders.
On the first day of fundraising, the total amount raised quickly soared to nearly 3 million euros—significantly higher than previous years. This is impressive when considering last year's total after one day was about 800,000 euros, which was already double what had been collected the five years prior. There was even one million euros raised before the campaign officially began, thanks to early fundraising initiatives across the country.
DJ Wijnand Speelman, one of the prominent figures broadcasting live from the Glazen Huis, managed to collect over 214,861 euros by running a double marathon. The DJs, including Speelman, Barend van Deelen, and Sophie Hijlkema, are living off juices for the week as they keep the show on the air non-stop, requesting donations in exchange for song dedications.
Established since 2004, Serious Request traditionally allows people to request songs by donating to good causes. Yet the initiative has transformed over the years, with classrooms, businesses, and individuals across the Netherlands involved to support fundraising efforts for Metakids. Serious Request’s peak years between 2012 and 2014 saw it raise over 12 million euros per event. The 3 million euros already collected on the first day this year exceeds the total raised by some previous editions.
Throughout this week, various activities are being organized, contributing to the event's goal. For example, children from the Sint Bernardusschool are hosting a Christmas market on December 19. They are selling crafts and donating the proceeds to Metakids. Their goal is to create both funds and awareness about the challenges children with metabolic diseases face.
Further fundraising efforts are seen across communities, including events organized by local groups and businesses. For example, the Wagenbouwgroep and Carnavalsvereniging 'De Sökkestoppers' are holding auctions and live performances within their communities, emphasizing how this issue personally impacts their members.
On December 19, pupils from the Sint Bernardusschool will invite family and friends to buy their handmade crafts. The school director, Martijn Smit, expressed, “We want not only to raise funds but to raise awareness of this serious illness. Everyone is welcome at our Christmas market. Together we can make a difference!”
One notable action involved staff members from the Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis cycling to Zwolle, raising 9,070 euros over the arduous 110-kilometer ride. After enduring harsh weather conditions, the team arrived at the Glazen Huis, donning lab coats, where they shared their experiences live on air and discussed the importance of their work surrounding metabolic diseases.
Currently, about 10,000 to 15,000 families are touched by metabolic diseases in the Netherlands, with one out of every four affected children tragically not reaching their 18th birthday. The funds collected will be utilized for research exploring gene therapy and developing effective treatments for these devastating illnesses.
The variety of fundraising activities showcases the community spirit and urgency surrounding this cause. While the serious nature of metabolic disorders means they often get overlooked, campaigns like 3FM Serious Request aim to bring them to the forefront, encouraging broader support for research funding.
This year promises excitement and fervor as multiple fundraising initiatives roll out across the nation, showing solidarity and hope for children with metabolic diseases. Donors can contribute online, ensuring their support is felt far and wide.
