SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

Belgium

King Philippe meets with cancer patients

King Philippe of Belgium has visited the University Hospital of Antwerp to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the charity “Kom op tegen Kanker” (Fight against Cancer). There he met with cancer patients, volunteers, doctors and members of the organisation “Kom op tegen Kanker”.

King Philippe travelled north on Friday May 3rd 2019 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the organisation “Kom op tegen Kanker” (Fight against Cancer) at the University Hospital of Antwerp. Upon arrival he was welcomed by Marc Michils, the general manager of the organisation and Jacques De Grève, vice-president. About the visit of King Philippe, Mr. Michils said: “It is a great honour for our organization to welcome the King. His visit is an encouragment for everyone who supports us and it encourages us to continue to pursue our dream: a world in which we no longer lose loved ones to cancer.”

After the welcome, the king was treated to a musical performance by the Belgian singers, Sarah Bettens, Niels Destadsbater and Paul Michiels. They performed the song “Door jou” (Because of You), this year’s official campaign song of “Kom op tegen Kanker”. With the song the charity wishes to thank everyone who has supported the organisation over the past 30 years.

Just before the start of the performance King Philippe gave a big hug to the bear of “Kom op tegen Kanker”. The bear will hug everyone who has supported the organisation to end cancer. Then it was time to meet the patients who have cancer. The King listened to their stories and tried to support them.

King Philippe was very moved to see the patients and volunteers. To the staff of “Kom op tegen Kanker” he said: “First of all I’d like to congratulate you on the fantastic campaign. Thank you for involving me. I’m very happy to be here.”

King Philippe also visited the immunotherapy department where the researchers use the cells of the patients to make them better. He took a look at the cells and was told what he was supposed to see as he joked he had no idea what it looked like. The King also got to meet patients who are currently receiving such therapy.

The king was also given an overview of the project “Rentree” . The project helps people with cancer or after having cancer to go back to work or find a new job. All the difficulties that accompany the return to one’s job are tackled in the project.

King Philippe was also impressed to see how many volunteers work on a daily basis for the organisation. In a work meeting the king got to know more about the current researches to cure all types of cancer. Before leaving the king made sure to wave goodbye to his new friend the bear.

About author

Laura is from Belgium and has a passion for all things royal. She is Europe Correspondent for Royal Central since October 2016 and has contributed to other news websites. In her daily life she is a fulltime student in EU-politics and political communication.