Now six-year-old, brave Jacky has been a participant in the Re-abled program since last summer and can now walk well on her new prosthesis, made by Frank Jol. When Jacky was four years old, doctors discovered bone cancer in her knee. Not much later, Jacky underwent chemotherapy and surgery in which reversal plastic surgery was chosen. A year later - during Jacky's rehabilitation - Jacky's parents heard about the Re-abled program, tipped off by Susan's mother (also one of our Re-abled heroes). "Jacky was five years old during the intake interview at Re-abled and had a dream: to be able to run with her friends and swim again," says Iris - Jacky's mother.

In the meantime, thanks to the Re-abled program, Jacky has received a water supply, with which she can now swim independently, go to the beach and SUP, which she was unable to do last year because her other prosthesis (ADL) was not allowed to get wet. Before Jacky got the water supply she was already in swimming lessons, but that was quite difficult. For example: the breaststroke succeeded, but swimming on her back was almost impossible because she could not push the water away with her operated leg.

'Last summer vacation we went on a family vacation in the Netherlands. If Jacky wanted to go to the edge of the pool, she had to be lifted. Even climbing up the slide by herself was not possible,' says Iris. With her new water supply, Jacky can fortunately get her swimming lessons and play in the pool by herself - without needing help. Her water supply lets her be a child and independent again.

Another dream of the energetic and cheerful Jacky is to be able to run again. Iris: "When she sees the other children running in the schoolyard, she would like to join them. Unfortunately, this is not possible with her daily prosthesis. She can then withdraw for a while, but then she picks herself up again because she is very strong. If 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.'

That Jacky comes from a sporty family is immediately obvious. We are shown a photo in which Jacky is carried as a baby by her mother Iris as they hike the slopes of Saas-Grund. Now - several years later - Jacky, her four brothers and parents are embarking on a new adventure: participating in the Mentelity Games; a week in which people with physical challenges push boundaries and have fun in the snow. 'For Jacky, it will be very cool to see that she is not the only one with a prosthesis while skiing,' says Iris. 'We love the mountains immensely. So we love going hiking or playing sports in the mountains with our family - us (her parents), Jacky and her four brothers - in the winter and summer.'

Jacky's family would like to give something back to the Mentelity Games. So Iris, her brother Tjesco and her sister Vera are taking on an unforgettable challenge: skiing for twelve hours during the 12 hour Challenge to raise money for the Mentelity Games. During their ski challenge in which they will cover as many miles as possible in twelve hours, they want to show that you can always do more than you think. In doing so, together they will contribute to a world where Jacky and so many others with challenges can pursue their dreams.

Support Iris' team with a donation to the 12 hour Challenge and help make sure Jacky and so many others with physical challenges can make their dreams come true. Go to their team page and donate!

Join the 12 hour Challenge
We are still looking for teams for the 12 hour Challenge! Are you looking for a unique way to get involved in charity? Then join us! Together with your team you make as many descents as possible for twelve hours on the slopes of Saas Grund. In addition, you raise money for the Mentelity Games. The 12-hour Challenge is divided into three challenges to choose from. Participation in the 12-hour Challenge is possible for (tour) skiers and snowboarders of different levels. Read here for more info.