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October 14 is a special date. In 2016, on that day, EENnacoma (Expertise Network Serious Acquired Brain Injury after coma) was founded in the beautiful classic castle of the Radboudumc. The aim was to bring together all those involved in the care for and research of people with severe brain injury, in particular with a long-term disorder of consciousness, so that these people and their loved ones receive the best possible treatment and guidance in all phases. Exactly 5 years later, just in between two Covid waves, we got together again to tell what has been achieved and especially what is still to come. Now in the adjacent modern auditorium of the so-called Experience Center. How nice it was to be able to meet each other physically again, even if it was at 1.5 meters.

Former general practitioner Noud Froeling introduced us, as the father of a young man 'in a coma', to the point of view of the relative. Very impressive and we could see (and feel) what we are doing it for. The participating institutions presented themselves with a workshop in which their own spearheads were explained. Several researchers showed me what they are doing and Willemijn van Erp showed a piece of the film that she was able to have made thanks to the Brain Foundation under the title 'Masterclass about LBS' ( https://www.eennacoma.net/). Marjan Hurkmans and Jan Lavrijsen explained what has been done to form networks and describe the content of the care. All very inspiring contributions that gave a good picture of the many developments of the past 5 years.

Finally, Jan took on the task of putting different people in the spotlight. My image of it is somewhat distorted, because I was one of those people. For me, it was a great opportunity to announce my postponed retirement. Now that so much has been achieved and so many more people than 5 years ago are super active in further developing EENnacoma, I can rest on my laurels with peace of mind (and repaired). Jan, many thanks for the nice words; And I thank all colleagues in the network very much for the many years of pleasant cooperation.

Alone you go faster, but together you go further. We saw that on October 14. A special day.

Henk Eilander