Heartbreaking Health Update: Manuëla Kemp’s Husband Shares Devastating News About Her Condition

Heartbreaking Update on Manuëla Kemp‘s Health: A Devastating Turn

Published on January 11, 2025

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In a deeply emotional announcement, Tjerk Lammers, the husband of beloved television presenter Manuëla Kemp, has shared a tragic update regarding her health. The 61-year-old,who was involved in a severe scooter accident in Portugal five weeks ago,remains in critical condition. Tjerk revealed that her situation has taken a dire turn, stating, “The end is in sight.”

“After EEG and MRI scans, the damage has only become really clear, and that is not easy,” Tjerk shared with ‘Privé’.

Manuëla has been hospitalized in Portugal since the accident. While there was initially hope for her recovery, recent medical evaluations have delivered devastating news. “The part of the brain that controls vital functions like the heart and lungs is still functioning. But the part that makes a person who they are—what makes Manuëla, Manuëla—is gone,” her husband explained, his voice heavy with sorrow.

Tjerk, who married manuëla in 2009, described the situation as irreversible.”Her fate is now sealed. The damage from the accident and her time in the ICU is so extensive that we’ve had to make the heartbreaking decision to let her go.”

In the coming days, Manuëla will be moved from the ICU to medium care. Plans are also underway to transfer her to the Netherlands via eurocross. “The intention is to bring her back to the Netherlands, but I can hardly say it yet—it’s to let her pass away there,” Tjerk shared, his voice trembling with emotion. He added that there is “just no more hope” for a positive outcome.

A final decision on her transfer is expected to be made on Monday, marking what will likely be her final journey home. The news has left fans and loved ones in mourning as they prepare to bid farewell to a cherished figure whose warmth and talent touched countless lives.

What are the typical stages of recovery for a patient with a traumatic brain injury like manuëla Kemp’s, and what factors influence the potential for recovery?

Exclusive Interview: Dr. Eva van der Meer on Manuëla Kemp’s Critical Condition

Understanding the Devastating Impact of Brain Injuries

In light of the heartbreaking update on manuëla Kemp’s health following her scooter accident in Portugal, we sat down with Dr. Eva van der Meer, a renowned neurologist specializing in traumatic brain injuries, to discuss the medical complexities of her condition and the emotional toll on her family.

Q: Dr. van der Meer,could you explain the meaning of the EEG and MRI scans mentioned in Tjerk Lammers’ statement?

Dr. van der Meer: Certainly. EEG and MRI scans are critical tools in assessing brain function and damage. EEG measures electrical activity in the brain, while MRI provides detailed images of brain structures. In manuëla Kemp’s case, these scans revealed extensive damage to the areas responsible for personality, cognition, and consciousness. While her brainstem—which controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate—is still active,the higher brain functions that define who she is have been severely compromised.

Q: Tjerk mentioned that “the part that makes Manuëla, Manuëla—is gone.” What does this mean from a medical perspective?

Dr. van der Meer: This refers to the loss of cortical function, which governs our thoughts, memories, and personality. When this part of the brain is irreversibly damaged, the person, as we no them, is no longer present. It’s a devastating reality for families, as they must come to terms with the fact that their loved one, in a meaningful sense, is no longer there.

Q: The decision to let her go is described as “heartbreaking.” How do medical professionals support families in making such tough choices?

Dr. van der Meer: It’s one of the most challenging aspects of our work.We provide families with clear, compassionate data about the prognosis and the quality of life their loved one would have. In cases like Manuëla’s, where recovery is impossible, we help them understand that letting go can be an act of love, sparing further suffering. Emotional support and counseling are also crucial during this time.

Q: Manuëla is being transferred from the ICU to medium care and eventually to the Netherlands. What does this transition signify?

Dr. van der Meer: Moving from the ICU to medium care typically indicates that the patient no longer requires intensive life support. In Manuëla’s case, it’s a step toward palliative care, ensuring she is cozy in her final days. Transferring her to the Netherlands allows her to be closer to her family and loved ones, which is incredibly crucial for both her and them during this time.

Q: For our readers, what would you say to those struggling to understand or cope with such a tragic situation?

Dr. van der Meer: It’s important to remember that grief is a deeply personal process. There’s no right or wrong way to feel. Seeking support from loved ones, counselors, or support groups can be invaluable. Additionally, understanding the medical realities, as difficult as they may be, can sometimes provide a sense of closure.

Q: what are your thoughts on the broader conversation around traumatic brain injuries and their long-term impacts?

Dr. van der Meer: Traumatic brain injuries are often life-altering, not just for the patient but for their entire support system. They highlight the importance of preventive measures, such as wearing helmets and adhering to safety protocols. They also underscore the need for ongoing research and better treatment options. It’s a conversation we must continue to have, both medically and socially.

Your Thoughts?

How do you think society can better support families facing such devastating decisions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.