René Beltjens
Fueled by gratitude for the four extra years that research gave him with his late wife Vinciane, Rene is now channeling his love and loss into a monumental journey to honor her memory and contribute to research.
More About René
My wife, Vinciane, was only 36 years old when we lost her to cancer. But thanks to the power of medical research, we were given a gift that we never thought possible: four more years of life together.
Her battle began when she was just 31. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, we immediately started chemotherapy, hoping for the best. But the treatment was relentless, and the cancer was more so. After six grueling months, our hopes crumbled. Vinciane could barely stand, and the doctors gave us the devastating news: she had only a few weeks left.
Just when we thought all was lost, a sliver of hope appeared. We were offered a place in a clinical trial for a new therapy that targeted cancer cells more precisely. It was experimental, it was a risk, but when you're faced with losing everything, the choice is simple. It was a no-brainer; we had to try.
The results were nothing short of a miracle. The new treatment worked. It didn't just give Vinciane her strength back; it gave us the most precious gift of all: time. We received almost four more years of a normal life—four years of laughter, memories, and togetherness that we were told we would never have.
In the end, the cancer won. But those four years are a powerful testament to the impact research can have on everyday life. It's not just about extending life; it's about giving life back. That experience left a permanent mark on me. I know what a difference research can make, and I want to help give other families the same chance we had.
That’s why, in May and June 2026, two friends and I are undertaking an ambitious challenge. We will cycle 7,000+ kilometers across 20+ European countries, from Tallinn to Gibraltar. This isn't just about personal achievement. Every kilometer we ride will be in honor of Vinciane and to support the research that gave us those precious extra years.
We are raising money for the Fondation Saint Luc, the very same Belgian hospital that treated my wife. Your support will help fund the kind of groundbreaking research that can turn a prognosis of weeks into years of cherished memories.
Please join us in this mission. Help us give another family the priceless gift of time.