Kilometers for cancer research
The Ecclesia Group has many highly committed employees, including in the companies and units outside Germany. In June, the so-called “Run4Daniel” took place in Rotterdam – and right in the thick of it: employees of Ecclesia Risk & Benefits. The Rotterdam-based company is part of the Ecclesia Group and has been committed to the annual charity event for a long time. The running and walking event raises funds for the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, the cancer research institute of a large Rotterdam hospital.
“We can look back on a successful run. With over 1,500 participants, including an Ecclesia Risk & Benefits team, an impressive amount of 276,626 euros was raised for research. An excellent result,” sums up Willeke van de Weerd, Managing Director of Ecclesia Risk & Benefits. The Erasmus MC Foundation, formerly known as the Daniel den Hoed Clinic, after which the event is named, has set itself the task of raising money for scientific research to support the fight against cancer. Even though the field has developed extremely positively in recent years, a great deal of research – and thus also money – is still needed to defeat the disease.
Everyone from young to old can take part
In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Ecclesia Risk & Benefits is particularly committed to good health and well-being. The social partnership with the foundation and the running event is one part of corresponding activities. “With our social commitment, we want to make a valuable contribution to the urgently needed scientific research at the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute: research that ensures maximum treatment outcomes so that more and more people survive cancer and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. That's why it's so important that we all work together for better cancer treatment,” explains Willeke van de Weerd. “And the great thing about Run4Daniel is that it is a very accessible event. You can choose between five and ten kilometer routes, running or walking. So everyone, young and old, can participate. It's a fantastic opportunity to do sports in a team, support a good cause and have an unforgettable experience!”
1,500 participants and 276,626 euros for a Rotterdam cancer research institute
The charity event took place in the Kralingse Bos forest and along the spectacular Kralingse Plas lake. In the afternoon, more than 1,500 participants, including 30 Ecclesia employees and their relatives, started at the De Bosdreef sports complex. A completely sold-out event. In a pleasant atmosphere, Willeke van de Weerd and Leonore Tuijt, director of the Erasmus MC Foundation, presented a check for €276,626 to Dr. Dirk Grünhagen, an oncological surgeon at the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, before the start.
After that, the participants warmed up together before Willeke van de Weerd gave the starting signal for the Run4Daniel 2024. It was great to see everyone moving together for a good cause in the beautiful surroundings of the Rotterdam forest and lake. The sunny weather and the loud cheers of the many enthusiastic spectators made the day perfect. After the run, the sports complex filled up again. Accompanied by music, the runners rounded off the evening together with delicious food and cool drinks from the various food trucks and bars. The evening was filled with emotions and touching stories.
Contribution to research into colorectal cancer
This year, the proceeds of the event went to research into better treatment of colorectal cancer. In the Netherlands alone, around 3,500 people develop this disease every year, and in Germany the figure is around 22,000. Recent research has shown that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood can predict whether colorectal cancer will return after standard treatment. Prof. Dr. Kees Verhoef of Erasmus MC Cancer Institute now wants to investigate whether additional chemotherapy improves the survival rate of patients with ctDNA in the blood to prevent a recurrence of the disease. The proceeds of the Run4Daniel will help to make this research possible.
Commitment and responsibility
The Ecclesia Group stands for responsibility in line with the values and philosophy of its shareholders and the shareholders' mandate. Accordingly, Ecclesia Risk & Benefits sees doing good for society as part of its identity. That is why the Dutch group company is involved with various charities and social enterprises in Rotterdam and the surrounding area. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals also form the basis for such actions. The company, based in Rotterdam, actively supports three of the 17 goals in particular: No poverty, good health and well-being, and quality education.
“The Run4Daniel is in line with these values. This is a good reason to continue to be a social partner of this wonderful Rotterdam sports event with such an important goal. We are pleased to continue our cooperation with this event in 2025, then under the new name 'Rotterdam Charity Run',” emphasizes Willeke van de Weerd.