Ghent University veterinary medicine student Kaat De Haeck (26) walked 100 kilometres to support the Parkinson’s Research Fund. By taking part in the Dodentocht, a 100-kilometre walking challenge, she raised €2,000.
Eline Van Den Abeele was not the one to sit back and do nothing. Not even after she was diagnosed with metastatic bile duct cancer at the end of March. Just three months after receiving the news, Eline passed away. Her fighting spirit lives on in the fundraising campaign she launched for the Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG).
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.”
For his birthday, Paul Renson raised more than €40,000 for the Arne Lannoy Fund, which supports brain tumour research led by Professor Tom Boterberg. The Renson CEO speaks openly about his fundraising initiative.
A recent study into Parkinson’s disease has shown that a stool transplant may constitute a new and valuable treatment of the disease. “It offers a potentially safe, effective and cost-efficient way of alleviating the symptoms and improving the quality of life of millions. A 'bacterial pill' might replace the stool transplant in the future. But more research is needed.”
In March 2021, Kathy received life-changing news: a tumour on her appendix marked the beginning of a long and difficult battle against peritoneal cancer. Yet she decided to do more than fight just for herself. She channels her strength into helping others by raising donations for the Ghent University Peritoneal Cancer Fund.
Friends and relatives of Juno De Hauwere recently gathered at the starting line of the Ghent marathon. They weren’t just looking to achieve a sporting milestone, but above all they were there to honour Juno’s memory and raise funds for leukaemia research.
Ghent University alumni Rik and Bea wanted to celebrate their most recent birthday with a big party and they had a very clear gift preference: No flowers or chocolates, they wrote in the invitation, but a donation to the Marleen Temmerman Fund of Ghent University. Their fundraising initiative brought in close to €5,000 for the Fund.
Marine biologist and Professor Emeritus Patrick Sorgeloos (Faculty of Bioscience Engineering) was instrumental in shaping modern aquaculture in recent decades. If his career has taught him one thing, it is that aquaculture has a crucial role to play in continuing to ensure food security. “By 2050 more than half of our food must come from the sea. And it’s possible.”
Six months ago, Anja Peumans made the decision: she changed her will so that part of her inheritance would go to the Ghent University Animal Clinic. “I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Finally, I thought, I can fulfil my dream after I am gone”.
Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and ALS are devastating neurodegenerative diseases with no prospect of recovery. Clinical geneticist, physician and Ghent University professor Bart Dermaut is making a breakthrough with his scientific research that could push future therapies in a new direction. This is partly thanks to donations and legacies from patients.
Cancer researcher Celine Everaert is currently developing an important test that should help to improve treatment for cancer patients. This is possible because of a scholarship, funded by donations and bequests.
