Sadly, we received the news that Boelien Geerts, one of the first patient representatives of Oncode’s Patient Engagement Programme, passed away on October 14 from the effects of lung cancer. Her absence will certainly be felt. We can openly say that Boelien was very active and committed to Oncode Institute’s efforts and mission. She contributed to our Patient Engagement Programme and inspired our researchers through her novel ideas, perspectives, and discussions based on her personal experiences and knowledge, and driven by a lot of enthusiasm.
Her absence will certainly be felt. We can openly say that Boelien was very active and committed to Oncode Institute’s efforts and mission. She contributed to our Patient Engagement Programme and inspired our researchers through her novel ideas, perspectives, and discussions based on her personal experiences and knowledge, and driven by a lot of enthusiasm. Since the onset of our Programme end of 2019, Boelien teamed up with Oncode Investigator Karin de Visser’s group at the NKI, from which she was in especially close contact with postdoctoral researcher Antoinette van Weverwijk.
She also gave valuable feedback on the recently awarded ZonMW research project of Oncode Investigator Peter ten Dijke and was to be part of its user board as a patient representative. Boelien was also an active member of Longfonds, a platform for patients with lung diseases.
We are grateful to Boelien for all her efforts. Her dedication, energy and positive attitude have inspired us and will remain in our hearts and minds. We wish her family and friends a lot of strength in this difficult time.
