‘You’d rather not have to be here, but if you must, this really is the best place for your child.’
‘It was a difficult and uncertain time in which life completely took over. It may sound like a cliché, but it really felt like a roller coaster. As parents, you completely lose control, with high highs and deep lows. You constantly have to switch gears and it never stops. You put yourself last. We were incredibly well supported and guided by the team at the Princess Máxima Center. And as hard as it was, we still look back on this period with a good feeling. We came through it stronger as a family and we now enjoy the ordinary, simple things in life much more. Those moments have become special to us. We hope we can hold on to that forever.’
A new center
‘We did not have any admissions in the current Princess Máxima Center building. At that time, we were treated at the WKZ. We experienced the move and the opening of the new center in June 2018, and Cato was one of the first children in the day care unit. All the facilities at the Máxima Center are beautiful and clearly well thought out. We also saw the new building become increasingly warm and welcoming over time. As parents, sometimes together with family or friends, we spent a lot of time walking in the beautiful surroundings of the Máxima Center. It was wonderful to be able to go outside, talk together, and clear your head.
All the clear information from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Association (VKKN) was excellent as well. Cato especially benefited from the Hair Wishes Foundation, the Kanjerketting, and doing crafts with Eliane from Café des Artistes. During day care unit visits, Cato also spent a lot of time in the music studio and in the Make-A-Wish room. And of course, the CliniClowns were wonderful, not just according to Cato, but according to us too.’
It feels like coming home
‘When we think back on our time at the Máxima Center, the first word that comes to mind is gratitude. We are grateful that Cato is doing well and that she was treated in a beautiful center with the best people, care, and knowledge all in one place. You would rather not have to be there, but if you do, this really is the best place for your child. It is a unique, warm, and safe environment. Of course, it is nice that we come to the Máxima Center much less often now, but when we are there, it still feels a bit like coming home. The best, kindest, and most dedicated staff work at the Princess Máxima Center. Each of them with a passion for their work and for the children. It truly is an excellent team, and you can feel that.’
With laughter and tears
‘If we may give one suggestion to other parents, it would be this: Carpe Diem, seize the day. Even though you find yourselves in a terrible and stressful situation as a family, try to find something positive in each day. No matter how difficult that may be at times. Let it wash over you. You have no control over what happens to you. Humor and positivity kept our family going. With laughter and tears, we made it through together.
Contact with other parents, whether or not through the Dutch Childhood Cancer Association (VKKN), can be very comforting, and you can support one another. They understand without many words what you are going through. Through this, valuable friendships with other families have grown for us.
And finally, a practical tip: always make sure you have a bag with sleepwear and toiletries ready for emergencies, even during routine check-ups.’
Also read:
- ‘The doctors and nurses take their time and are attentive to parents.’When Hakeem (8) was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, he was immediately referred to the Princess Máxima Center. His father Marvin shares how they experienced the care. ‘I didn’t just feel like the parent of a patient, I also felt seen as a person in a difficult situation.’
- ‘A private space with our own bed, shower, and toilet as parents. That’s really nice.’On April 30, 2019, Marianne came to the Princess Máxima Center for the first time together with her son Bas, who was 8 years old at the time, and his father. At the Amsterdam UMC, doctors had discovered that Bas had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Marianne shares how she experienced those first weeks and which tips she has for other parents.
- ‘It is an overwhelming process that parents cannot face on their own. As grandparents, we offer support.’After grandson Cees received the Flower bead, granddaughter Anne (12) was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. A huge shock. The second child in the same family affected by cancer. Grandmother Nelly shares how she was able to support her son’s family both times and talks about her experience with the Princess Máxima Center.