The MS-Huis Menen vzw will close its doors for good at the end of September. “After 13 years of faithful service as a nurse, coordinator and chairman, a chapter is closed”, chairman Marleen Deruytere says on the website of MS-Huis Menen vzw.
“These were beautiful years in which close friendships were built. Years of intense joy, laughter and tears. I think I can say that we can all look back on a very nice time with many nice meetings, the chats, and with absolute highlight our five-day trip to Burgundy. But at the end of September we will close the books for good and the non-profit organization will be dissolved.”
Friendships
“I would like to thank all visitors to the MS-Huis and the helping hands for coming for many years. Also for the trust you have had in me all this time. Hopefully the end of the non-profit organization does not mean the end of our friendships. I wish you all the best and above all good health,” said the chairman of the association.
As an MS patient, Marleen Deruytere knows very well what it is like to live with multiple sclerosis. “At the time, as a young patient, I had almost nowhere to go, luckily I could count on the support of my GP. At the request of the neurologist from Hasselt, I started an MS home myself in Menen. I could never have imagined that we would have so many members years later”, Marleen told this newspaper some time ago.
Meeting place
The MS-Huis first grew for ten years under the wings of non-profit association Lidwina, before continuing on its own feet in 2018 as an independent non-profit organization. A permanent place was found in the local service center Allegro in the Volkslaan.
“People who have just been diagnosed with MS come here with a lot of question marks. Here they find that life doesn’t stop when you have MS. Anyone who entered here with a scared heart returned home happy and relieved after the first meeting.” In addition to individual guidance and support, the MS-Huis was primarily a meeting place for MS patients. “Our members can share experiences with fellow sufferers, but can also enjoy pleasant moments during a coffee or hobby afternoon,” says Marleen.
However, the corona years left their marks on the operation of the MS House, which urgently needed a new one boost. “The MS House requires a lot of work. We are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit enough volunteers for the beautiful and important work we do. Today, this often falls on the shoulders of the same people over and over. We would like to see this changed,” it sounded even earlier this year.
World of difference
Marleen Deruytere did not wish to communicate why the non-profit organization is now being discontinued. But the reactions to the news of the cessation show that the appreciation of the visitors of the MS-Huis Menen for the years of dedication of Marleen, her husband Stefaan and the volunteers is very high:
You have made a world of difference for the people with MS in Menen and far beyond…
You gave hope for years to people who were in danger of losing them.
Thank you for your commitment, friendship and for everything you mean to me and to others.
Much respect to you and all the volunteers.