Marina Van Haeren awarded the LEIFtime Achievement award 2026.

In the charming Krekelhof, in the heart of Pajottenland, the LEIF benefit event took place on Monday, February 9th, as is tradition. An evening where gastronomy, social engagement, and ethical debate converged, with one central message running through it all: a dignified end of life is a fundamental right. This year's event raised a remarkable €50,000 for LEIF, a significant increase from last year's €40,000.

The evening was presented by Liesbeth Bernolet (RingTV), who explained the meeting's goal: to raise funds to ensure and further expand LEIF's operations. She emphasized that palliative care, accurate information, guidance, and respect for self-determination remain essential, but require continued commitment and support.

Political voices on freedom and responsibility

Two speakers shared their perspectives on end-of-life care and social responsibility during the evening. Conner Rousseau emphasized the importance of autonomy and dignity, inspired by personal experience and conviction. He praised LEIF's commitment and emphasized that further legislative steps remain necessary to guarantee people true freedom of choice at the end of their lives.

Frédéric De Gucht explicitly placed the debate within a broader framework of freedom. According to him, a liberal society begins with trust in people and their ability to make fundamental choices, including those concerning the end of life. He referred to previous reforms regarding euthanasia and advocated for further legal clarity and consistency, with respect for pre-established advance directives.

The LEIFtime Achievement Award

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the LEIFtime Achievement Award by Professor Wim Distelmans, co-founder of LEIF and a pioneer in palliative care in Belgium. This award recognizes individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to a dignified end of life, with respect for the individual's wishes.

This year's award went to Marina Van Haeren, a figure who has played a quiet yet crucial role in the world of philosophical and palliative care for decades. She was one of the first employees and later the general director of the Union of Liberal Associations, now deMens.nu . In that role, she provided LEIF with not only moral support but also structural and financial backing from the very beginning.

This close collaboration enabled the realization of numerous initiatives: training programs for LEIF physicians, international study days, publications, and academic anchoring through, among other things, the LEIF chair at the VUB. Even after her retirement, she remained active as a volunteer and administrator within the humanist network, always with a special focus on palliative and supportive care.

In his speech, Professor Distelmans emphasized how essential her commitment has been to LEIF's growth and sustainability. The award, symbolized by a statuette that expresses dialogue and equality, perfectly reflects her approach: connecting, discreet, and people-oriented.

In a short, emotional speech of thanks, Marina was visibly moved. She emphasized that, in her view, the recognition belongs to all the organizations and volunteers who work daily to help people in their most vulnerable moments.

More than a benefit

With a refined dinner, prepared by top chefs N. Neckelbroeck (former Diependael Castle and initiator), P. Stevens (GLISS, Nieuwenhove), N.Van Kerkhoven (Mirin, Roosdaal), R. & S. Van Landeghem (Gastro Brisk, Groot-Bijgaarden) and G. Verhasselt (Sir Kwinten, Lennik) and served by students of the COOVI hotel school, the evening also took on a culinary character.

But above all, the benefit event remained a moment of connection, reflection, and shared responsibility. The €50,000 raised not only confirms the support for LEIF, but also the continuing societal need for open debate, caring support, and respect for individual choices at the end of life.

The benefit at the Krekelhof proved once again that dignity is not an abstract concept, but something that people work towards together, concretely and in solidarity.

Watch Liesbeth's full report on Ring here