This money is highly needed to support the cancer patients and keep supporting cancer patients in Curaçao. The Prinses Wilhelmina Foundation receives the funds raised by the Ride for the Roses Foundation. The PWF describes on their website how the foundation uses this money and what they have already accomplished.
On January 2003, in the pouring rain, 273 cyclists started a 45 kilometers cycling journey across the island. They were followed by a warm reception where they got offered a rose and a stage program. There were smiles and some tears as well: this was how The Ride for the Roses in Curaçao was born. The later Olympic champion Maarten van der Weijden had been cycling the ride. That day he told about his story, how he was a promising young Dutch open water swimmer that happened to become a leukaemia patient later. He talked about his daily fight and above all about the importance of never ever giving up. Never. In 2005 he finally turned back into a real sportsman instead of a patient, as he had always been feeling the sportsman inside him, even in his darkest days. At that moment he could not even know that in three years from then, in Beijing 2008, he would win one of The Netherlands most special golden medals.
In Curaçao we have 5000 Maarten van der Weijdens. 5000 patients who are suffering any form of cancer. 5000 people whose world collapsed when they found out the terrible news. 5000 people living in uncertainty. 5000 people who cannot give up. 5000 people who are not pitiful but ill. 5000 people who need our support terribly hard.
Since 2005, the Ride for the Roses foundation has committed itself to helping cancer patients cope with the daily struggles they have to face. Foundation Ride for the Roses Curaçao raises funds for cancer patients. The foundation focuses on the organization of sports events to raise funds under the collective name Ride for the Roses Curaçao.
We strive for two goals:
1
First of all we raise as much money as possible.
2
The second aim is creating awareness around cancer in Curaçao.
Namely creating awareness around cancer in Curacao. In many cases cancer is not the end. Early detection is of big importance in this. To heal, patients fight as hard as they can and in this fight they can use every bit of support. Patients are ill, but not to be pitied. And let us all keep in mind that cancer is not infectious!
Annual Reports
The Board
Driven by the mission of the PWF, the Board works passionately to make this annual mega event a reality.
The shared goal brings out the very best in everyone.
On the day of the Ride, the members work so hard behind the scenes that you’ll hardly find them in the photos — but their impact is everywhere.
Chairman
Benno van Leeuwen
Managing Director Compliance & Forensic Caribbean
I have witnessed up close what cancer means for patients and their loved ones.
That motivates me to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the Ride and the PWF.
Treasurer
Sayenne Dick
Finance manager
Cancer affects not only the patient, but also family and friends. My own family has faced this reality as well.
With my knowledge and enthusiasm, I am committed to helping raise funds for the PWF, so they can continue to support and assist even more people.
Secretary
Robbin Martina
Board Member
Frans Heiligers
Former journalist & copywriter
I am glad to support good causes, such as the PWF, which helps cancer patients and their loved ones.
Everyone – myself included – knows people who have gone through, or are still going through, that difficult journey.
Board Member
Arthur Rosaria
ActionCOACH Business & Executive Coach
With my passion for organizing events, I am proud to contribute to the Ride for the Roses.
It is a wonderful way to use that passion to make a positive impact on our community.
Board Member
Raoul Hooftman
Board Member
Lorainee Isenia
Proud mother of two beautiful kids & certified public accountant.
I am honored to serve as a board member for the Ride for the Roses.
This cause is particularly close to my heart, as I have confronted cancer within my own family. Through these experiences, I have learned that having a strong support system is essential in carrying the heavy burden of this disease. I recognize that not all families or patients have access to such support, which is why organizations like PWF are so vital.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Board Member
Desiree Alberto-Martina
After many years of involvement through main sponsor Orco Bank, Desiree now contributes personally as a board member of Ride for the Roses. “I have always wanted to give back to my community, especially in the health sector. Now that I am retired, I can fully dedicate myself to this cause.”
Board Member
Glyraine Jukema
I’m deeply honoured to be part of the board of Ride for the Roses. This cause is close to my heart because it’s more than just a ride, a swim or a walk— it’s a symbol of hope, strength, and unity in the fight against cancer.
This is about giving back, supporting those in the midst of their battle, and remembering the loved ones we carry with us. Every pedal- or swimming stroke, or walking step represents resilience and the belief that together, we can make a difference.
Mission
We aim to be involved in a sporty, healthy and fun way, together with hundreds of others supporting the fight against cancer. This is your way to fight it, in memory of someone who did not survive, as support to someone who is fighting the battle right now or just because you are involved in any kind of way.
All financial support directly reaches the patients, ensuring they receive the necessary care and resources during their fight against cancer. Your contributions are exclusively aimed at providing immediate assistance and support to individuals and their families undergoing cancer treatment. All donations go to patients and their families suffering from cancer, no cent is spent on research.
Step by Step
After the Ride for the Roses was born, many editions followed and the event kept growing to eventually become the biggest fundraising sport event of Curaçao.
Not only the numbers, but also the earnings have been growing every year since. Thanks to fundraising, every year we are able to contribute to awareness on the disease cancer, create a better life for patients.
