From Disabled to Re-Abled
There are over 10,000 physically challenged children and young adults living in the Netherlands who are left at home due to low expectations and poor prosthetics, which can lead to social isolation.
In 2020, the Bibian Mentel Foundation developed the program: 'The Re-Abled' in collaboration with orthopedic instrument maker Frank Jol. Through better guidance and the right prosthesis, we help anyone with a physical challenge get the most out of themselves.
Similarly, Bibian herself went from abled to disabled and through the right tools, mentality and guidance, became Re-Abled. This resulted in 128 gold medals and three paralympic titles. Read below the stories of the people we have already been privileged to help with our program.
Pim Horrée
'In the difficult moments, you just have to keep going so that in the end something very beautiful comes out of it. There is always a path to be found as long as you stick to positivity.'
Sofia Martina
Cheerful and brave Sofia (age 4) was born without her shins. When she was 10 months old, both her lower legs were amputated.
Bo Visser
Bo Visser (12) wants to be able to participate with his peers as much as possible. 'Not just sports, but just playing in the schoolyard,' he says.
Jacky Verdouw
'When she can't run, she takes the scooter. There is incredible resilience in Jacky. She wants it, so she mainly looks at what is possible.' - Iris (mother Jacky)
Manon Middendorp
'Now that I'm in my 20s, I want to be just that strong woman who stands up there and says, ''You do belong, and you're beautiful the way you are, inside and out.''
Lizzie van der Bas
''This is me and I'm just super happy!''
Susan King
"In the end, I always try to participate and always succeed!
Pim Horrée
"Falling down, getting up and on again ... I'm training for the TCS Amsterdam Marathon!"
Jelle van den Berg
Recently we were privileged to receive a nice donation from the Jelle van den Berg Foundation. This foundation was established in 2013, after Jelle was killed in the mountains of Austria at the age of 18.
Jip van den Hurk
Jip van den Hurk (9) is only too happy with his blade. "On his blade, Jip moves easier and therefore keeps it up longer," mother Patricia proudly explains.
Marlene Out
"My sports prosthesis has given me more self-confidence," says Marlene, who has made huge strides in tennis since she got her new prosthesis.
Luut Schellekens
Luut Schellekes is glad she could be helped in the Re-Abled project. "My prosthesis now really is an aid and not a limiting thing," she says.
Danny Wagenhuis
Danny was not able to accept his challenge until later in life. His introduction to the Mentelity Foundation plays an important role.
Lizzie van der Bas
The Re-Abled project has caused enormous change in the life of Lizzie van der Bas (7). "I can really do anything I want."
Merijn Koek
Merijn Koek: "In my adolescence sports was a must, I didn't always like it. Since I met Bibian Mentel, that has changed."
Xan Engelsman
Xan Engelsman is happy with his new prosthesis and is now playing field hockey at a higher level than before. "This leg really makes a difference. I'm faster!"
Jayley Krewinkel
Jayley Krewinkel is completely used to her new JUMP prosthesis. Every morning she tells her parents, "Just give me that spring!"
Lionel Goorissen
Lionel has been looking for the right prosthesis for a long time. The Mentelity Foundation's JUMP has been a new start in his life for him.
Joselien Koopmans
Joselien hid her prosthesis because she didn't want to be different. From Bibian, she learned to radiate strength instead of insecurity.
Siep from Groningen
Siep always has to distribute his energy well due to his challenge, but since taking snowboarding lessons, his fitness has only improved.
