Support Marije: A Lifeline for Medical Expenses

For roughly the last 20 years, a small group of us transplants from the Netherlands have grown ever closer, have shared in our joys and our challenges. We have become each other’s family far away from our roots. We have supported each other through relationship joys as well as woes, divorce, weddings, child bearing, adoption, loss of parents, feelings of homesickness, job losses… you name it, we have been there for each other.

So when Marije was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May of 2022, the news sent shock waves through our little chosen community. Marije, characteristically, immediately sprang into action and faced this demon head on.

She has been her usual strong self through 2 1/2 years of surgeries, multiple chemo treatments, radiation treatments and immunotherapy. Even in the face of the pain she has lived with as result of these treatments and the fact that her daily reality now involves dealing with a stoma and nephrostomy bags, she has kept looking ahead and has stayed active to the extent she has been able to. Marije’s strength of spirit and body and her optimism have been an inspiration to all of us.

She has made it through these very tough times with the tireless help of her loving husband Matt and their kids-- Valeen, Maya, Regan and Mike. It has also been extremely heartening to see how her entire community of family, friends, neighbors and coworkers in Portland and all across the world has come together to surround Marije with love and support.

In spite of all the effort, care and treatment, however, Marije has recently received the grave news we have been dreading -- the doctors say she does not have much time left. Given this, we appeal to anyone who is able to help out with a donation to assist with the mounting medical costs. Some of these donations will also help fund what will undoubtedly be a farewell visit to her home country, to say goodbye to family.

We invite you to contribute any amount that works for you.

Thank you on behalf of her Dutch posse,

Barbara, Carianne, Ute, Annet, Suzanne

If you want to continue to receive updates on Marije’s health, you can follow her on Caring Bridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mpeek