Renske Gresnigt: Turning a Cancer Diagnosis into a Mission of Hope
Table of Contents
Five years ago, Renske Gresnigt (42) from Houten felt an abnormality in her breast. At first,she remained “fairly relaxed.” But when her GP referred her to the hospital, where a mammogram was immediately followed by a biopsy, she knew something was wrong. The diagnosis: breast cancer, which had spread to her lymph nodes. Her world turned upside down.“Losing my mother to cancer as a child made this news hit me especially hard,” Gresnigt recalls.“The possibility of a genetic link stirred up a lot of emotions—not just for me, but also for my husband and our children, who were just 4 and 7 at the time.”
A Journey of Resilience
What followed was a grueling year and a half of tests, treatments, and waiting for results. Gresnigt received the news that her cancer was in remission. “I wasn’t cured, but no more cancer cells were found in my body,” she explains. Yet, the disease continues to impact her life. “I still have check-ups every six months, which are always nerve-wracking. plus, I’m on anti-hormone therapy for another ten years to keep the cancer at bay.”
Rebuilding Life and purpose
Before her illness, Gresnigt worked 24 hours a week at an educational platform, training and coaching teachers. However, she soon realized this work no longer fulfilled her. “I slowly started rebuilding my career, but training drained me. I felt strongly that the disease hadn’t happened to me for nothing—I wanted to do something meaningful with it,” she says.
In April 2024, a former colleague, now working at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, told her about a unique opportunity: a professional training program for experiential experts in cancer care, offered in collaboration with KWF. “The puzzle pieces fell into place,” Gresnigt shares. “I just knew: this is it.”
Overcoming Financial and Emotional Hurdles
Despite her enthusiasm, the decision wasn’t easy. “Ther were a lot of challenges,” she admits.“I had to leave my stable job and the financial security it provided. It was unclear where I’d end up after the program, as KWF is still researching whether paid roles for experiential experts in oncology will be available in the next two years.”
with the support of her husband and guidance from organizations like UWV and KWF,Gresnigt took the leap. “I could keep part of my old income, which helped a lot. And my conversation with Larissa Bacher, the training coordinator, gave me the confidence to move forward,” she says.
A New Chapter in Cancer Care
Larissa Bacher, coordinator of the Associate Degree in Experiance Expertise in Care and Welfare at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, describes the program as a two-year course where students attend school one day a week and work at least 16 hours in a relevant field. This year, six students, including Gresnigt, are part of a KWF research project in collaboration with GGZ.
“This training is about turning personal experiences into professional expertise,” Bacher explains. “It’s about empowering individuals to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges.”
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Diagnosis | Breast cancer, spread to lymph nodes |
| Treatment | 1.5 years of tests and treatments; now in remission |
| Current Care | Anti-hormone therapy for 10 years; bi-annual check-ups |
| Career Shift | Transitioned from education to experiential expertise in cancer care |
| Training Program | Two-year associate Degree in Experience Expertise at Hogeschool van Amsterdam |
| Support | Financial guidance from UWV and KWF; emotional support from family |
A Call to Action
Gresnigt’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of finding purpose in adversity. For those navigating their own cancer journeys, her experience highlights the value of support systems and the potential to transform personal challenges into professional contributions.
As Gresnigt embarks on this new chapter, she hopes to inspire others to see beyond their diagnoses and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. “The disease happened to me for a reason,” she says. “And now, I’m determined to make it count.”
How Experiential Experts are Transforming Healthcare in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands,a groundbreaking initiative is reshaping the way patients receive support during their recovery journeys. Through the Buddy House program and the experiential expert training offered by institutions like the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, individuals who have faced life-altering challenges—such as illness, addiction, or poverty—are now using their experiences to help others.
The Rise of Experiential Expertise
The concept of experiential expertise is gaining traction across Dutch healthcare. As Larissa Bacher, training coordinator at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, explains, “All students have experienced a disruptive experience by illness, addiction, or poverty. The common denominator for all students is that they have experienced a loss. Loss of self-esteem, of autonomy, from viewpoint, you name it.”
This training equips students to use their personal experiences professionally,supporting others in their recovery and development. “Students learn what a good basic attitude is for an experiential expert and when they can contribute their own experiences in a suitable way,” Bacher adds.
A Pioneering Program
The initiative, supported by KWF (the Dutch Cancer Society) and the National Postcode Lottery, is a pilot program exploring the added value of experiential experts in healthcare.Currently, 35 students are enrolled across six universities, including Fontys Hogeschool, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, and Saxion University of Applied Sciences.
Gemma van den Boog, spokesperson for KWF, highlights the program’s potential: “From working with volunteers, we know that experiential experts are an interesting group to provide this help and support. Precisely becuase they have completed the process themselves, they are very well able to match the needs of the patients.”
The Buddy House Initiative
one of the most impactful aspects of this program is the Buddy House initiative, currently active in eight hospitals. These houses connect patients with buddies who have faced similar challenges,offering emotional and practical support.
Take Gresnigt, a breast cancer survivor and current student, who found her calling at the Buddy House in the St. Antonius Hospital. “I immediately thought of the Buddy House,” she recalls. “At that time, I was also allowed to experience support from a buddy, and it seemed wonderful to work for this foundation and in the hospital.”
Gresnigt’s role is diverse and dynamic.“One day I can watch the operating room or on the outpatient room, the next day I brainstorm in a meeting about how experience expertise could be given a place in a treatment process. But I am also a buddy for someone who is being treated at the moment.”
Breaking New Ground
While experiential expertise is well-documented in mental healthcare, its request in oncology is still emerging. “In the field of oncology, no studies have yet appeared on the added value of experiential expertise,” Bacher notes. This pilot program aims to bridge that gap, translating experiential expertise into a new domain.
Organizations are eager to pioneer this approach. “We notice that it is still looking for appropriate commitment at some practical places, because it is a new role,” says Van den Boog. “At the same time, all organizations are willing to pioneer.”
Looking Ahead
With 20 spots still available for the next academic year, the program is poised to expand its reach.KWF hopes to find more practical placements in the business world,further integrating experiential expertise into various sectors.
| Key Highlights of the Experiential Expert Program |
|——————————————————-|
| Supported by: KWF and National Postcode Lottery |
| Number of Students: 35 |
| Participating Universities: 6 |
| Buddy House Hospitals: 8 |
| Focus Areas: Oncology, mental health, addiction, poverty |
This innovative approach not only empowers individuals to turn their challenges into strengths but also enriches the healthcare system with a unique, empathetic perspective. as Gresnigt puts it, “It’s about giving back and making a difference.”
For more data on how to get involved or support this initiative, visit the KWF website or explore the Buddy House program.
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By leveraging personal experiences to foster healing and growth, the experiential expert program is setting a new standard for patient care in the Netherlands.The Power of Experience: How Cancer Survivors Are Transforming Support Systems
Cancer is not just a physical battle; it’s an emotional and psychological journey that often leaves patients and their families searching for understanding and hope. For many, the answer lies in the power of shared experiences. Gresnigt, a cancer survivor and now an experience expert, is one of the many individuals transforming the way support is delivered in the oncological field.
The Role of Experience Experts
Experience experts, like Gresnigt, are individuals who have personally navigated the challenges of cancer and now use their journey to support others. “I want to give experience expertise a place in the oncological field and by who I am and through what I have experienced support others in their recovery,” Gresnigt shares. This approach bridges the gap between clinical care and emotional support, offering patients a unique perspective that healthcare providers frequently enough cannot provide.
The Buddy House: A Safe Haven for Connection
Gresnigt’s work at the Buddy House highlights the profound impact of peer support. During one memorable encounter, she met a man undergoing chemotherapy who had lost hope. “He told me he expected that he would not survive his illness, but that the treatments suddenly started. He saw no perspective and did not know how to pick up his life again,” she recalls. Their conversation, filled with recognition and understanding, gave him hope. Today, that man is thriving and has become a buddy for someone else in a similar situation.
The Importance of Emotional Distance
Though, becoming an experience expert is not for everyone. As Bacher explains, “Someone must already have a distance from his emotions. If you are still busy with your recovery and cannot yet look at the disruption with some distance, it will be difficult to support others.” Additionally, a supportive network and financial stability are crucial for those considering this path.
Family and Beyond
Cancer doesn’t just affect the patient; it impacts the entire family. Gresnigt emphasizes the importance of addressing these broader concerns. “For example, I had questions about the impact of a certain operation on my family, but also about dealing with the side effects of all treatments. How did others experience that?” she says. These are questions that fellow survivors,or “buddies,” are uniquely equipped to answer.
A Vision for the Future
While Gresnigt’s future workplace remains uncertain, her mission is clear. She aims to integrate experience expertise into the oncological field, ensuring that patients and their families receive holistic support. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of shared experiences and the hope they can bring.
| Key Takeaways |
|——————–|
| Experience experts provide emotional support that complements clinical care. |
| Peer support can restore hope and perspective for cancer patients. |
| emotional distance and a supportive network are essential for becoming an experience expert. |
| Cancer impacts families, and shared experiences can address these challenges. |
For those seeking support, connecting with a local support group or a buddy matching program can be a lifeline. Organizations like the Colon Cancer Alliance offer resources to help patients and families navigate this difficult journey.
Gresnigt’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, connection and understanding can light the way.
For more information on support groups and resources, visit CancerCare.
The Buddy House Initiative
One of the most impactful aspects of this program is the Buddy House initiative, currently active in eight hospitals. These houses connect patients with buddies who have faced similar challenges, offering emotional and practical support.
Take Gresnigt, a breast cancer survivor and current student, who found her calling at the buddy House in the St. Antonius Hospital. “I promptly thoght of the Buddy House,” she recalls. “At that time, I was also allowed to experience support from a buddy, and it seemed wonderful to work for this foundation and in the hospital.”
Gresnigt’s role is diverse and dynamic. “One day I can watch the operating room or on the outpatient room,the next day I brainstorm in a meeting about how experience expertise could be given a place in a treatment process. But I am also a buddy for someone who is being treated at the moment.”
Breaking New Ground
While experiential expertise is well-documented in mental healthcare, its request in oncology is still emerging.“In the field of oncology,no studies have yet appeared on the added value of experiential expertise,” Bacher notes. This pilot program aims to bridge that gap,translating experiential expertise into a new domain.
Organizations are eager to pioneer this approach. “We notice that it is indeed still looking for appropriate commitment at some practical places,as it is a new role,” says Van den Boog. “Simultaneously occurring, all organizations are willing to pioneer.”
Looking Ahead
With 20 spots still available for the next academic year, the program is poised to expand its reach. KWF hopes to find more practical placements in the business world, further integrating experiential expertise into various sectors.
| Key Highlights of the Experiential Expert program |
|——————————————————-|
| Supported by: KWF and National postcode Lottery |
| Number of Students: 35 |
| Participating Universities: 6 |
| Buddy House Hospitals: 8 |
| Focus Areas: Oncology, mental health, addiction, poverty |
This innovative approach not only empowers individuals to turn their challenges into strengths but also enriches the healthcare system with a unique, empathetic outlook. As Gresnigt puts it, “It’s about giving back and making a difference.”
For more data on how to get involved or support this initiative, visit the KWF website or explore the Buddy House program.
The Power of Experience: How Cancer Survivors Are Transforming Support Systems
Cancer is not just a physical battle; it’s an emotional and psychological journey that often leaves patients and their families searching for understanding and hope. For many,the answer lies in the power of shared experiences.Gresnigt, a cancer survivor and now an experience expert, is one of the many individuals transforming the way support is delivered in the oncological field.
The Role of Experience Experts
Experience experts, like Gresnigt, are individuals who have personally navigated the challenges of cancer and now use their journey to support others. “I want to give experience expertise a place in the oncological field and by who I am and through what I have experienced support others in their recovery,” Gresnigt shares. This approach bridges the gap between clinical care and emotional support,offering patients a unique perspective that healthcare providers frequently enough cannot provide.
The Buddy House: A Safe Haven for Connection
gresnigt’s work at the Buddy House highlights the profound impact of peer support. During one memorable encounter, she met a man undergoing chemotherapy who had lost hope. “He told me he expected that he would not survive his illness, but that the treatments suddenly started. He saw no perspective and did not know how to pick up his life again,” she recalls. Their conversation, filled with recognition and understanding, gave him hope. Today, that man is thriving and has become a buddy for someone else in a similar situation.
The importance of Emotional Distance
Tho, becoming an experience expert is not for everyone.As Bacher explains, “Someone must already have a distance from his emotions.If you are still busy with your recovery and cannot yet look at the disruption with some distance, it will be difficult to support others.” additionally, a supportive network and financial stability are crucial for those considering this path.
Family and Beyond
Cancer doesn’t just affect the patient; it impacts the entire family. Gresnigt emphasizes the importance of addressing these broader concerns. “Such as, I had questions about the impact of a certain operation on my family, but also about dealing with the side effects of all treatments. How did others experience that?” she says. These are questions that fellow survivors, or “buddies,” are uniquely equipped to answer.
A Vision for the Future
While Gresnigt’s future workplace remains uncertain, her mission is clear. She aims to integrate experience expertise into the oncological field, ensuring that patients and their families receive holistic support. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of shared experiences and the hope they can bring.
| Key Takeaways |
|——————–|
| Experience experts provide emotional support that complements clinical care. |
| Peer support can restore hope and perspective for cancer patients. |
| Emotional distance and a supportive network are essential for becoming an experience expert. |
| Cancer impacts families, and shared experiences can address these challenges. |
For those seeking support, connecting with a local support group or a buddy matching program can be a lifeline. Organizations like the Colon cancer Alliance offer resources to help patients and families navigate this difficult journey.
Gresnigt’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, connection and understanding can light the way.
For more information on support groups and resources, visit CancerCare.
