Marleen and her ambassadorship for O4 wheelchairs
Because an O4 wheelchair doesn’t feel like ‘just a wheelchair’, but like an extension of myself. To be honest, after years of trying out different chairs that just weren’t quite right, this felt like coming home for my body. This is, of course, a fantastic starting point for the O4 wheelchairs ambassadorship.
What hobbies or interests do you have?
Photography is my great passion. I love to make ordinary moments special by capturing them. I also enjoy being active by going for a drive outside, just to clear my head.
What do you consider important in a wheelchair for everyday use?
Comfort is paramount, after all, you spend the entire day in that chair, so it must feel right. Appearance is also important to me, my wheelchair is part of my personality. And functionality? It ensures that I retain my freedom. A wheelchair should support me, not limit me.
How does your O4 wheelchair help you in your daily life, leisure time, and travel?
My O4 helps me in many things I do: because it fits so well and is so easy to maneuver, I have energy left over for the things I really enjoy. Whether I’m spending a day being creative, going out, or just sitting outside, my chair makes it all possible without me having to think about it all the time.
What tips would you give other wheelchair users when choosing a wheelchair?
Listen carefully to your own body. Ask yourself, do you really need to get through the day comfortably and independently? Don’t just be guided by what is ‘standard’. Discuss what is going through your mind and how the wheelchair really affects you. Try out different chairs, ask questions, and be honest about what works and what doesn’t. Above all, treat yourself to quality. A good wheelchair is not a luxury; it is a prerequisite for quality of life.
Ambassadorship for O4 wheelchairs
What do you hope to achieve with your ambassadorship for O4 wheelchairs?
I want to show what is possible. Not only in terms of mobility, but also in terms of mindset. With O4, I hope to inspire others to choose what feels right and to be proud and visible in their wheelchairs. If my story can help someone feel stronger or freer, then my mission will have been accomplished.
How did your passion for visibility/activism come about?
It actually developed naturally. Through my own experiences, I noticed how often people with disabilities remain invisible, both literally and figuratively. I want to show that everyone matters and that visibility is not about perfection, but about authenticity.
Curiosity
Even as a small child, I was extremely curious about the world and how things worked. How were things made? How did people compensate each other in smart or educational ways? I have retained that curiosity and further developed it in my adult life. It has become the basis of my drive to learn, share, and make others aware of all the possibilities.
What is your motto in life?
Think in terms of possibilities, as few limitations as possible, make it discussable. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. There are always things that can’t be done, but there are also surprisingly many things that can be done if you dare to look at them differently. And if it doesn’t work out right away, I look for a middle ground so that I can still reach my goal in smaller steps with a lot of patience.
What message would you like to share with other wheelchair users or people with disabilities?
Don’t let your wheelchair hold you back; use it to live life to the fullest. Show yourself, because you deserve to be here too. Share your story; every story is inspiring and unique. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, no question is too silly, and it will help you move forward. Strength doesn’t come from what you can do yourself, but from how you deal with what life throws at you.
Have you had any enjoyable experiences with your O4 wheelchair?
The first time I took my O4 for a long walk on uneven paths, I felt like a child learning to ride a bike for the first time. I kept saying, “It rides so smoothly!” That was the moment I realized how much difference a good wheelchair makes. You think it’s just a chair until you have one that really moves with you.
