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The Next Step

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Ruth has always been the vivacious, joyful and beautiful person you experience even in a still photograph.  We met more than 10 years ago when she was experiencing her dream of living in New York City as a single, working woman. A few years later, she was back in Amsterdam, Holland, texting about a new man in her life, Wouter. Since then, Ruth and Wouter moved in together, bought an apartment, had a little girl (age 4), then a little boy in March last year.


By the autumn, she was on to the next dream - becoming an independent consultant - and already holding exploratory meetings, developing a website and writing a blog. 
     Just as all began to fall into place, Ruth was diagnosed with breast cancer. In May this year, at age 38, she began aggressive and exhausting chemo treatments. They zapped her energy but not her spirit. Within days of celebrating her parents' 50th wedding anniversary, Ruth decided it was time for her and Wouter to take the next step. She proposed, he accepted without hesitation, and they have just set a date for January 2020, the day of their first date 8 years earlier.
     Last week, friends took her to look at wedding gowns. She fell in love with a jumpsuit but the cost is too much for them. Because of her cancer treatments, Ruth has had to postpone developing her business, so they have been relying on Wouter's income only.  The jumpsuit she would love to wear for her wedding costs 500 euros (~US$ 560 ) more than she can afford to spend.  She imagines a very small gathering of family and friends for the wedding, but Wouter would love to have something grand and celebratory. The additional money I'm requesting for Ruth and Wouter would go toward the wedding and reception.
   
Will you help Ruth and Wouter create a beautiful memory for themselves, their children, their family, and friends? They are kind, deserving people who bring joy to those around them. They would be shocked that any one would want to help them with this and would absolutely never ask for help. It would be wonderful for them to experience your love and generosity, and it would be an incredible lesson for their children. Any and every contribution will make a difference and bring us closer to making Ruth's and Wouter's next step live up to their modest but beautiful dreams.
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Donations 

  • Michael Motto
    • €100 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Laurie Barrueta
Organizer
Valencia
Ruth Pannekoek
Beneficiary

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