Suzan & Freek Express Gratitude Amidst Freek’s Illness: ‘We Feel You Holding Us’
For the first time since revealing the devastating news that Freek Rikkerink is incurably ill, the Dutch musical duo Suzan & Freek have spoken out publicly. On Instagram, they expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support received since Tuesday’s announcement that Freek is suffering from metastatic lung cancer and is untreatable. The duo announced an immediate halt to all their professional activities.
The news hit like a bombshell and led to an outpouring of sympathy from across the nation. Fans, fellow artists, and radio stations showed their solidarity with the couple. In a symbolic gesture, at least thirteen radio stations played their song “Lichtje Branden” simultaneously at 10:00am on Wednesday. The song, about hope and togetherness, took on extra meaning at this emotional time. “Maybe this is the perfect moment to hold in your heart the ones you miss,” Freek said, movingly, during their Ziggo Dome performance.
Suzan & Freek have been deeply touched by all the reactions. “The endless wave of love and support we’ve felt this week is indescribable,” they wrote on social media. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all your kind messages, candles, and gestures. Where we always hold onto each other, we now feel you holding us too. Love is everything.”
Just days earlier, Suzan and Freek had performed to a sold-out Ziggo Dome—unaware these would be their final concerts. “With both laughter and tears we look back on last weekend’s concerts,” they posted. “‘How amazing was that,’ we said to each other, laughing in the car on the way home Sunday. And it truly was.” On Instagram, they shared an aftermovie of the show, visibly enjoying every moment, dancing and celebrating with confetti, and addressing their fans warmly from the stage before singing “Lichtje Branden.”
The couple also revealed that Suzan is expecting their first child, intensifying the emotional impact of the news. “Yesterday our world was turned completely upside down,” they wrote Tuesday. Despite Freek’s prognosis, they are determined to make the most of the time they have left together: “We are going to enjoy every moment given to us.”
Messages of support keep pouring in, and fans plan to come together this weekend to process the news. For many, Suzan & Freek are much more than musicians; their music and honesty have deeply touched countless hearts. In this difficult time, they set a powerful example of love, unity, and resilience.
Suzan & Freek’s openness reminds us all of the strength of communal love and the way music can unite us, even in the darkest moments.
Source: infovandaag.nl