1/3 The nominees for the Brabander of the Year 2022 title with King’s Commissioner Ina Adema and presenter Tom van den Oetelaar (photo: Nicole Melchers)
Sten Janssen, 9, from Eindhoven is the Brabander of the year 2022. Sten sharpens his knives for a good cause, namely research into the treatment of brainstem cancer. His brother Wies died for it. Sten has already raised 45,000 euros.
Sten started sharpening knives after his brother Wies died. “I was feeling very sad and wanted to do something. By sharpening the knives I can raise money to ensure that children don’t have to get sick again.”
“I’ll keep it up until all the kids are better, even if I’m a grandfather.”
At first Sten wanted to buy something else with the money that the grinding work brought. He laughs: “Actually I wanted a Lego set. But then I changed my mind. It wasn’t worth it. I’d rather donate it to charity. Hopefully we can make sick children better.”
The money Sten makes from grinding goes to the Wies Alliance. Scientists and doctors from the Princess Máxima Center, the Eindhoven University of Technology and the Radboud University Medical Center are working together on this. In total, Sten has already raised more than €45,000. “I hope they spend it well on sick children. And I will continue until all the children are better. Even if I am a grandfather by then, I will continue.”
“This award is not only for Sten, but also for Wies.”
When King’s Commissioner Ina Adema opens the golden envelopes in Winter Efteling and reveals that Sten has won, a big smile appears on her face. “Wow, I have no words for this,” she stammered proudly. Father Paul immediately puts his arm around his son. “This is amazing, very special.” Mother Simone adds: “I see it as a reward for both boys. Not only for Sten, but also for Wies”.
When Sten has recovered from the shock, the words will come. “I’m so glad I won. I’m completely surprised. Before, I thought I had a chance. But when I heard the other candidates’ special stories, I couldn’t remember.”
Sten received a bronze statuette from the King’s Commissioner. Now she has been given a special place, next to Wies’ urn.
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