‘All the volunteers and nurses do everything they can to make our stay as pleasant as possible.’
Iris (4), the daughter of Wouter and Astrid, has a kidney tumor. The family has been coming to the Máxima Center for almost a year now and shares their experience with the Princess Máxima Center.
Wout and Astrid share: ‘We first came into contact with the Princess Máxima Center on December 30, 2022. A kidney tumor was discovered in our daughter Iris (4). So by now we have been regular visitors at the Máxima Center for about a year, and Iris has already had many day care treatments. Her Kanjerketting is now five meters and ten centimeters long and has 386 beads.
Brothers come along
As strange as it may sound, we have always experienced our time at the Máxima Center as very positive. Besides Iris and us, her brothers Levi and Benjamin also come along regularly.
Even though the days have always been long for us, it has always felt good to be here. Iris also enjoys being here. There is so much to do, from crafts to spending time in the music studio. All the kind volunteers and nursing staff do everything they can to make the stay as pleasant as possible. There are many facilities for relaxation and distraction for children and parents.
Activities
The various activities organized for children and parents are very valuable and important. The music studio, visits from the CliniClowns, and crafting with volunteers give children plenty of distraction during treatment days. Fun activities are also organized regularly for parents, from massages to meaningful conversations with care professionals. The good restaurant and great coffee are also a welcome distraction.
Safe and involved
The Princess Máxima Center always feels welcoming and safe for us as a family. All staff members are so involved with Iris and with all of us. That is why we would like to say to other parents: make use of the support that is offered. There is space for all your questions, and solutions are sought together.’
Also read:
- ‘It may feel as if the Máxima Center doesn’t know death, but unfortunately that’s not the case.’In November 2017, blood was drawn from two-year-old Florian because he had not been feeling well for some time. The family was soon referred to the Princess Máxima Center, where it became clear that Florian had stage 4 neuroblastoma. Within a week, his first chemotherapy treatment started. His mother, Maaike, shares their story.
- ‘Even now, the Máxima Center still feels like coming home. We’ve always felt understood.’In 2018, just before a planned move, Maxime (9) was diagnosed with a brain tumor. An intensive treatment at the Princess Máxima Center followed immediately. Her mother shares how their lives changed from that moment on.
- ‘You’d rather not have to be here, but if you must, this really is the best place for your child.’Cato, Carola’s daughter, was diagnosed with lymphoblastic B lymphoma (NHL) when she was twelve years old. Her treatment lasted two years. She now has follow-up check-ups every six months. Mother Carola talks about her experience with the Princess Máxima Center.