Kees grew up in the rough Schilderswijk district of The Hague, where survival was part of daily life. After years in restaurants and luxury hotels, his life was struck down by cancer, disability, and the loss of his hearing. But instead of surrendering, he rebuilt himself from the ground up.
From repairing a single broken Samsung phone in his kitchen, Kees grew into a store owner and eventually built an online business reaching nineteen countries. Along the way, he faced injustice, financial battles, and countless setbacks — but also discovered strength, resilience, and purpose.
Told with honesty, humor, and unbreakable determination, Deaf, Disabled, but Never Defeated is more than a memoir. It’s a story of survival, second chances, and the power of refusing to give up.
