A devastating diagnosis, followed by life-saving treatment from Professor Fritz Offner (Ghent University), led Eddy and Dorinda to a clear decision: their legacy should support science. “We saw with our own eyes how important scientific research is, and we wanted to contribute in our own way.”
In het kort
- In 2008, Dorinda is diagnosed with leukaemia, with a poor prognosis.
- After a second opinion from Professor Offner, she is able to participate in a clinical trial, which ultimately saves her life.
- Realising that scientific research can save lives, the couple decide to include Ghent University in their will.
- More information about including Ghent University in your will.
The story of Eddy and Dorinda reads like a fairy tale. Both grew up in De Panne, but they didn't meet until their twenties. “I had already been volunteering with the Red Cross when Eddy joined as well,” Dorinda says. “I suspect a mutual friend may have had a hand in bringing us together there.”
And it worked: sparks flew. The couple built their life together in Ostend and soon said “I do”. “We’ve now celebrated our golden wedding anniversary,” says Eddy. “We’ve been through a lot together, but those fifty years have flown by.”
A life-changing diagnosis
For years, they cycled the world together, from Santiago de Compostela to Brazil and Vietnam. Meanwhile, they remained active as volunteers with the Red Cross and built a social life at the Belgian coast. A full and carefree life, until 2008. After a medical examination, Dorinda received devastating news: leukaemia. “The doctors told me I only had a few years left. They wanted to start chemotherapy immediately, but I wasn’t ready to accept that.”
After a difficult search for a reliable second opinion, the couple consulted Professor Fritz Offner. Dorinda: “We could speak to him as equals. For me, that’s essential to be able to trust someone. With other doctors, the contact felt much more distant. With him, there was an immediate connection.”
A life saved
“Professor Offner went through all the possible treatments with us,” Eddy explains. “Then he suggested participating in a clinical trial to test a new medication.” Dorinda adds: “Through that study, I could help others just as I had been doing for years with the Red Cross. I thought: if it doesn’t help me, it might help someone else. I will never forget how Professor Offner and his team guided us through that process. They took the time to really listen.”
Most importantly, the treatment worked. “In the end, that study saved my life and I’m still here today, with my husband.”
Giving something back
Eddy and Dorinda were so grateful to the professor and his colleagues that they wished to give something meaningful in return. “Having seen up close how important scientific research is, we wanted to make our own contribution,” says Eddy. Dorinda adds: “We had already made small donations from time to time, but it didn’t feel like enough. We wanted to make a more significant difference, both for the professor and for others like me.”
Through Professor Offner, they came into contact with the fundraising team of Ghent University. Eddy: “Together with Terry and Elien, we explored how we could include this wish in our will. They clearly explained the options and guided us through the details, without ever putting us under pressure.” Together, they prepared everything for the notary, who formalised their wishes.
“We have complete peace of mind,” Eddy smiles. “We know with certainty that our contribution will be put to good use.” Dorinda adds with a wink: “Though we hope they won’t need it just yet.”
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