de BAS Stichting

de BAS Stichting is a grant-making foundation based in Zierikzee, Netherlands working on health, medical research, children & youth.

de BAS Stichting is a Dutch foundation based in Zierikzee that raises funds for medical research into juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), a rare chronic inflammatory disease affecting the skin and muscles of children. The foundation finances laboratory research at the Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis in Utrecht into the function of regulatory T-cells in JDM, and supports related studies with university centres in the Netherlands. It also works to raise awareness of the disease among the public and general practitioners, since early diagnosis is often delayed because its first symptoms resemble flu. Fundraising activities include an annual candle campaign (Lichtjesactie), the Renessedag event, donations and corporate sponsorship. The foundation holds ANBI status, so donations can be tax-deductible in the Netherlands. It was established by the parents of Bas van den Ouden, a boy who died of JDM in 2010.