2024-02-19 17:50:17
Anne van der Meer shines on TV as a presenter, but behind the scenes she shares a personal struggle with her partner Marijn. Their number one desire to become parents was overshadowed by disappointment and despair because their unborn children did not develop kidneys. One of the reasons for Anne to join Kidnie, the new initiative of the Kidney Foundation, as an ambassador.
“How could this happen?” Anne and Marijn had no kidney problems, and nothing of this kind was known in the family. After three harrowing pregnancies and a lot of tears, the couple was eligible for genetic testing, which showed that there was a genetic error in a kidney gene.
Welcome surprise
A tough confrontation, but at the same time a relief because they were immediately eligible for gene selection. This allowed doctors to check whether the baby had the right or wrong kidney gene. The fear that things would go wrong again was intense. But what luck: a new pregnancy surprised Anne and Marijn even before the gene selection.
After 13 weeks of pregnancy it was time for the very exciting examination again. “The doctor, who again placed the ultrasound machine on my stomach, remained silent for a moment. Then we heard her say: I see a kidney! And a full bladder, hurray! You may be thinking, ‘full bladder, hurray?’ But yes, HOORAY! One working kidney was visible, and you can live with that,” says Anne beaming.
“Aside from regular hospital check-ups, he’s just doing what toddlers do best: stirring things up.”
Mees’ working kidney makes him their miracle. According to Anne, he experiences few problems with his ‘mononier’. “Apart from regular hospital check-ups, he’s just doing what toddlers do best: stirring things up. He is the most active toddler ever!”
Also read – ‘Maartje is happy despite the loss of her child’
Hopeful future
Despite these serious setbacks, Anne did not allow herself to be discouraged. Together with her partner, she has found the strength to continue and inspire others. As an ambassador for Kidnie, the new initiative of the Kidney Foundation, she is passionate about creating awareness of kidney problems and the importance of kidney research. Together with scientists and a strong community, she fights for child-friendly treatments, early detection of kidney damage, and even a cure for the new generation of kidneys.
Anne and Marijn carry the pain of their lost children with them, but also draw hope from the progress of gene selection. “We hope to one day welcome a healthy brother or sister for Mees.”
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