Dancing with finitude: how sport saved John's life

In May 2024, we shared the story of John Hielckert, a then 76-year-old man with Waldenström's disease who, thanks to Happy Bodies, significantly improved his quality of life. John has since received more wonderful news, and we're happy to hear from him again. His story demonstrates the incredible power of perseverance, self-belief—and strength training.

From stumbling to dancing

In our previous blog We told how John went from being an active marathon runner to someone who could only hobble around the house. Waldenström's disease had literally knocked him to the ground. But John didn't give up. With the support of his wife, Carla, and the team at Happy Bodies Lisse, he began his journey back.

John no longer talks about stumbling. He talks about "dancing with finitude"—a beautiful way to describe how he's learned to live life to the fullest despite his diagnosis.

Spectacular medical advances

The numbers don't lie. John's IgM level—a crucial indicator of his illness—has dropped from 26.69 to just 4.55. "My hemoglobin is 9, and my IgM is still dropping," John proudly explains. "I've told my hematologist that I no longer feel like a patient."

This medical advancement is not only impressive, it also has concrete implications for John's future. While his next chemotherapy was originally scheduled for three to four years, it can now be postponed for another ten years or so.

From 77 to 57.5: Biological rejuvenation through strength training

Perhaps even more impressive than the medical figures is John's biological transformation. Now 77, thanks to the advanced sarcopenia measurements at Happy Bodies, he has reached a muscle age of just 57.5 years. We can see exactly how his body is literally getting younger:

• June 2024: Biological age 61 (actual age: 76)
• July 2024: 60.1 years
• October 2024: 58.6 years
• March 2025: 57.5 years – the month John turned 77.

John hasn't just made medical progress—his body has biologically shrunk by almost twenty years. At 77, he has the muscles of a 57-and-a-half-year-old. "My fatigue has vanished like snow in the sun," he says.

The power of the Milon circle

What makes John's story possible? The Milon Circle plays a major role. Its automatic adaptation to his physical symptoms allows John to train safely and effectively, despite neuropathy and the effects of chemotherapy.

"Taking away the fear of injury and feeling confident that you're in good hands is priceless to us," says John. The careful guidance of the team in Lisse ensures that every workout is precisely tailored to what his body can handle.

Inspiration for fellow sufferers

John isn't just thinking about himself. "I hope many others in the same situation will find their way to the nearest Happy Bodies," he says. "It would be a valuable addition for people who, like me, are looking for ways to improve their strength and fitness during or after their medical treatment."

His message is powerful: "Quality of life is something you can create yourself. Who wouldn't want that with an incurable disease?"

Scientifically substantiated

John's results are no coincidence. Professor Dr. Luc van Loon, a sports scientist at Maastricht University, emphasizes in his research why strength training is crucial—even (or especially) in old age. For people like John, battling diseases that damage muscle mass, strength training is literally a lifesaver.

Dancing with finitude

"Living with cancer has become for us: dancing with finitude," John summarizes his new life motto. It's a beautiful metaphor for how he has accepted his illness without resigning himself to it.

John's story shows that even with an incurable disease you can choose strength, growth, and life.When life throws you a curveball, do it like a somersault,” is his advice.