Can you tell us about Stichting Jade, your mission, and the creation of the ‘uitwaai’ locations?

Stichting Jade was founded on the personal story of Jade Kops. At the age of fourteen, she was diagnosed with childhood cancer. From that moment on, her life and that of her family were filled with hospital visits, intensive treatments, and deep uncertainty. During that intense time, they discovered how valuable it is to get away together for a while — not to a hospital, but to a place where life feels normal again. That experience is something we want to share with other families going through the same thing.

Our mission is to give families with a child undergoing treatment for cancer the chance to experience what we call ‘uitwaai’ moments — free, restful moments that allow them to recharge and enjoy time together outside of the hospital environment. In Villa Jade and Bungalow Jade, two lovingly decorated holiday homes, families can take a break. Away from the medical world, simply being together, finding rest, and perhaps most importantly, creating beautiful memories. Memories that last, especially when the future is uncertain.

How important are initiatives like the ‘uitwaai’ locations (such as Villa Jade and Bungalow Jade) for the families you support?

For the families we support, these uitwaai locations mean so much more than just a few days away. They are places where life feels lighter again — where the focus is not on worries and survival, but on being together and enjoying the little things. Most families live from one treatment to the next, with days filled with worry, sadness, and exhaustion, both physically and emotionally. The uitwaai locations create space: to catch their breath, to laugh, to sleep without alarms or IV schedules. To not be a patient or the parent of a sick child for a while, but simply a family.

We often hear how special it feels to finally sit at the table together, play a game, or go for a walk without the pressure of the hospital. These are moments that give strength, not only during the stay but also afterwards.

How are the Urban Arrow cargo bikes used at the ‘uitwaai’ locations? Can you share an example of the positive impact they have on families, especially the children?

The Urban Arrow cargo bikes have quickly become almost indispensable at the uitwaai locations. Many families who stay with us need to carefully manage their energy. With the cargo bike, children with less energy can sit safely and comfortably in the front. A trip to the beach, a ride through the dunes, or just going into the village for an ice cream suddenly becomes possible.

It is exactly these small outings that feel so big — being outside together, laughing, feeling the wind in your hair. The cargo bike literally gets families moving and brings them closer to each other. These are the moments you hold on to. They create memories that can give strength later on because they are so ordinary and at the same time so special.

What does the collaboration with Urban Arrow mean for Stichting Jade and the families you support?

The collaboration with Urban Arrow is incredibly valuable to us, especially because it has such a real and tangible impact on the families’ stay. The cargo bikes make everything not only more practical, but also more active and free. They give families the chance to truly get out together. In a time when life often feels like pure survival, that sense of freedom is priceless.

For us as a foundation, it also means we can offer families something extra without additional costs or logistical hurdles. The bikes are ready to use, sturdy and reliable, and they fit perfectly with the families’ needs. Urban Arrow’s support means they contribute in their own way to the recovery and happiness of these families — and we are so grateful for that.