3FM Serious Request is making waves this December as it gears up for its 2024 fundraiser focused on the Metakids foundation, which aims to help children suffering from metabolic disorders. From December 18 to 24, DJs Barend van Deelen, Sophie Hijlkema, and Wijnand Speelman will be broadcasting live from the Glazen Huis (Glass House) located on Rodetorenplein in Zwolle, raising funds for this important cause.
Among the dedicated fundraisers is Hester alongside her daughter Noortje, who together crafted and sold 275 handmade bird pots, successfully raising 1250 euros for Metakids. Noortje painted these pots, with Hester cutting and gluing decorations, culminating their efforts with the sale of the last pot on Facebook for 400 euros. Their story exemplifies how individual efforts can contribute significantly to larger fundraising efforts supported by the community.
Throughout the Netherlands, various individuals and organizations have contributed to raising awareness surrounding metabolic diseases, which are genetic disorders causing severe health issues due to malfunctioning metabolic pathways. Dr. Patrick Verloo, head of the hereditary metabolic disorders center at UZ Gent, notes how these disorders can often remain invisible: "Our metabolism is 'invisible'. It's not like cancer where you can point to a tumor. Metabolic disorders are silent but detrimental, affecting how our bodies function at the cellular level."
One notable story is of 16-year-old Diede Euverman from Velp, who has raised over 50,000 euros for Metakids from her sickbed. Suffering from Pompe disease, which results primarily in muscle weakness, Diede’s wish is to augment research funds before her condition worsens. Her body may be failing, but her spirit remains relentless, illustrating the need for community support against such debilitating diseases.
Every day, it is estimated one child is born with a metabolic disease, and shockingly, one in four won’t survive past 18. The impact is devastating, and yet many conditions remain obscure to the general public. A prime example discussed during fundraising events is the case of Zarre, diagnosed with Salla disease, whose mother, Kelly, describes the cruel realities of living with rare diseases. “Zarre could talk and drive his wheelchair independently, but everything's changing, and there are no treatments available to make his condition manageable,” she explains. The awareness raised by 3FM Serious Request is already working wonders, bringing to light stories like Zarre’s.
The fundraising efforts are significant; as of the last reported figure, donations have exceeded six million euros, all earmarked for research. According to Jan Matthijs van Eendenburg, director of Metakids, "Our funds are directed toward research related to gene therapy, as we see this as part of the solution forward. Each year, our fundraising directly helps approximately 10,000 families impacted by these conditions across the country.”
The 3FM DJs face immense support, with local establishments engaging through unique initiatives, such as Rob Janssen's Afterparty at Taboe Bar, where entry fees contributed nearly 7,000 euros to the cause. Also noteworthy is Team Jelte, gathered to support young Jelte afflicted with metabolic diseases, highlighting the initiative’s impact at the family level, as they strive for awareness and support.
Civic contributions have come from various quarters, such as school children crafting and selling their handiwork at Christmas markets, generating thousands for Metakids, or adults like Tim Veening, who advocated for young learners to grasp the value of compassion through community action.
Metabolic diseases encompass over 1,470 recognized conditions, each varying drastically; some can be managed with dietary changes, whereas others lead to severe and irreversible damage. Ron Wevers, emeritus professor and advisor for Metakids, emphasizes this complexity. “The metabolic disorders are legacy-driven, and without research, many families will continue facing tragic outcomes without hope,” he says.
The seriousness of the Disco Night reflecting their commitment through vibrant festivities may be stymied by the need for safety—a stark reminder of the poignant stories driving these efforts have stirred emotions and camaraderie among attendees, including families who have lost children to these disorders.
Importantly, many participants recognize the gravity of the issues at hand. Whether it’s the treacherous weather faced by steppers who raised funds battling elements en route to the Glazen Huis or local businesses donating sales—a community movement has flourished around clarity and calls to action for these children and their families.
The upcoming final broadcast promises to conclude this year’s initiative with fervor, embracing both emotion and reflection. It only remains to be seen whether they will shatter the fundraising record set back in 2014, but the awareness ignited will undoubtedly resonate long after the DJs leave the Glazen Huis.
The 2024 3FM Serious Request serves as both the call to fundraise and the urgent message for enhanced research investment—a poignant reminder of the need for visibility and treatment for metabolic diseases affecting so many children nationwide. No matter the final number achieved, it is clear the bond formed through compassion, creativity, and community will usher forth future breakthroughs.
