Marion Freijsen A blog about Sports, Fitness & Health

From racing bike to wheelchair…

This time I am posting a blog that was written by my spinning buddy Eelco. I wrote about Eelco a few months ago, just after he had been diagnosed with ALS, a condition that atrophies the muscles in your body over the course of usually a few years, till you finally die as you can no longer even take your next breath. A death sentence in other words.

I have followed with admiration how Eelco is not just dealing with his own illness, but how he has started a foundation that will be his lasting testament and will help other ALS sufferers. Here’s Eelco’s story about the selection of his new ride… a wheelchair:

“I glance around me and view my possible choices. We are hoping to head out on holiday to France and I want to find a folding wheelchair that is easy to transport (me). I catch myself still thinking like a cyclist: “how many bars in those tires?” I try and be practical but at the same time acknowledge that design is also important to me.

We choose one that we like, one made from aluminium, streamlined, light and the wheels come off easily for our trip. Yes, ofcourse I would rather be walking around, but it is a good thing that these things exist, right?! Is it confrontational as an athlete to be sitting in a wheelchair? Yes, don’t ever doubt that, but even though I am losing the ability to ride myself, at least it leaves intact the sense of adventure, and being active with the whole family. To keep exploring with them in tow. Removing all thoughts of my recent healthy past, I find that I can be content to live in the moment … and the kids, being as only kids can be, just can’t wait to push me around”

To all healthy athletes reading this blog – please help Eelco’s foundation even by donating a small amount thereby assisting another athlete who is not as fortunate as you… See www.alsopdeweg.nl for more info, pictures and video…

Donations to: Stichting ALS op de weg!
Bank account ABN: 46.43.49.818

IBAN: NL66ABNA0464349818
BIC: ABNANL2A