Following a public announcement earlier this year, Dutch television personality Martijn is undergoing treatment for incurable lung cancer, prompting an outpouring of support from the entertainment community. In response, colleagues Ruben Nicolai, Tijl Beckand, and Chantal Janzen have formed a close-knit support system centered around intentionally optimistic gatherings.The group,who call themselves “De Vakbond,” has found an unexpected strength in shared friendship amid challenging circumstances,offering a glimpse into the personal lives of public figures and the power of community.
“It’s a small group that keeps slowly expanding”
Earlier this year, Martijn announced he is battling incurable lung cancer, news that deeply saddened many, including his colleagues at RTL 4. Ruben Nicolai, a colleague and close friend of Martijn’s, began organizing what he called “morale-boosting dinners.” Tijl described the gatherings as “a small group that keeps slowly expanding.”
A strict rule governs the dinners: discussion of his illness is off-limits. “We don’t talk about the hardship he’s going through, but about all the beautiful things he’s experiencing. And we talk about work, too,” they explained.
Ruben, Tijl, Martijn, and fellow personality Chantal Janzen have become a tight-knit group of friends – a dynamic that wasn’t previously the case. “When you’re part of a soccer club, you all travel to the stadium together. We were all doing our own thing,” Tijl shared on Beste Kijkers. “It’s strange that his illness brought us together, but it’s also an incredible gift.”
Chantal previously told AD in an interview that their friend group is called De Vakbond, and that Martijn was recently elected its chairman. “Our group chat is always buzzing with photos of penguins, silly GIFs, and cartoons by Kamagurka and Gummbah,” Chantal added.
Martijn recently discussed the incredibly difficult period he and his family are facing in an appearance on RTL Tonight.
The New Year’s Eve broadcast of Beste Kijkers is available to stream on Videoland.
The close bond between several Dutch television personalities has deepened following a difficult health diagnosis. The group, including Martijn, Ruben Nicolai, Tijl, and Chantal Janzen, have been leaning on each other for support as Martijn battles incurable lung cancer.
Nicolai initiated a series of dinners designed to provide encouragement, which have grown in attendance over time. “It’s a small group that keeps slowly expanding,” Tijl shared, emphasizing the positive atmosphere of the gatherings. The dinners come with a specific guideline: conversations steer clear of Martijn’s illness. “We don’t talk about the hardship he’s going through, but about all the beautiful things he’s experiencing. And we talk about work, too,” they explained.
The shared experience has unexpectedly forged a strong friendship between the four colleagues. “When you’re part of a soccer club, you all travel to the stadium together. We were all doing our own thing,” Tijl revealed on Beste Kijkers. “It’s strange that his illness brought us together, but it’s also an incredible gift.”
The group, affectionately known as De Vakbond, recently elected Martijn as their chairman, according to Chantal Janzen, who spoke with AD. “Our group chat is always buzzing with photos of penguins, silly GIFs, and cartoons by Kamagurka and Gummbah,” she said, highlighting the lighthearted connection they maintain.
Martijn recently opened up about the challenges his family is facing during this time in an interview on RTL Tonight. The outpouring of support from colleagues and friends underscores the strong community within the Dutch entertainment industry.
Viewers can revisit the New Year’s Eve episode of Beste Kijkers on Videoland.
