Lennon Hofmans Foundation

Our story

Having a child in your family facing a merciless illness like cancer places an enormous weight on both the child and the entire family involved. It is a hard battle for the child, and for the family members. We experienced this ourselves.

The Foundation

Lennon is at the heart of why this foundation was created. This was the beginning, not the end, of his dream — a dream we wanted to realise together with a group of like-minded people. Lennon's dream:

"Help sick children ease their pain. Help their brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers feel 'happy' again."

Many families today face this unforgiving disease. We wanted to make our experience available to those who need it — our small contribution in a fast, stressful society where there can still be time for people who are there for one another.

Who was Lennon

Lennon was born on 27 July 1997, the fourth child in the family. With his proud brother Brian and sisters Jennifer & Sharon, he was immediately the family's favourite. Lennon was the sunshine of the house — always friendly, funny, full of humour and enthusiasm.

Supporting SIOPEN

The Lennon Hofmans Foundation financially supported SIOPEN — the International Society of Paediatric Oncology European Neuroblastoma Research Network. Neuroblastoma is, after domestic accidents, the second leading cause of death among children, and the most common cancer in children under the age of five. The research network relies entirely on funds it raises itself, with annual costs across Europe often exceeding €150,000.

The book: "Een lachende traan"

In 2008, the foundation published "Een lachende traan, een clown in veertien staties" ("A Laughing Tear, a Clown in Fourteen Stations") — fourteen stepping stones meant to help both adults and children endure and move through suffering, written with Hedwig Van Peteghem.

The Golf Trophy

From 2015 to 2018, we organised the Lennon Hofmans Foundation Golf Trophy at Brasschaat Open Golf & Country Club. Proceeds went entirely to the Lennon Hofmans Foundation.