‘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.
Maaike shares their story: ‘We went through a great deal at the Máxima Center, right up to the moment we were told that our son would not survive. We are grateful that, thanks to timely and appropriate care, he was ultimately able to pass away at home. We also came to know palliative care and support for grief and loss. This is less visible on the Máxima Center website. As a result, it can sometimes seem as though the Máxima Center does not deal with death, but unfortunately that is not the case. That is why we want to share our experience through this story.
Expertise and experience
At the Máxima Center, we always felt: this is the place to be when your child has cancer, because all the expertise and experience come together here. We also found it important that, despite the long car rides, Florian never went to the Máxima Center reluctantly. In fact, he was often ready at the door before we were. He loved going to the rooftop terrace, back when it was still at WKZ, that was his favorite spot.
The construction site was his favorite
When the Máxima Center opened in 2018, it was a whole new world for Florian to explore. The construction site was definitely his favorite place, with that big wooden crane. And in the day care unit, every little bike and every toy car had to be tried out. The kanjerkar was always a welcome sight, even when nothing was eaten.
Joy and sorrow
For us, our connection with the Máxima Center ended in indescribable sadness. Fortunately, this is not the case for many other children and parents. When a child recovers after an intense treatment process, there is, of course, great joy. Both situations are characteristic of the Máxima Center: there is joy and there is sorrow. So many children are treated there, and some of them cannot yet be cured.
Advice for other parents
For parents who are currently staying at the Máxima Center, we have some advice: try to stay fit yourself and take good care of yourself, for example by going for a walk in the natural surroundings around the Máxima Center. And try to do as much of your child’s daily care yourself in the hospital and support the nurses. This will make you feel more confident and help you get home sooner. Because no matter how well the Máxima Center is organized, home is where you would always rather be.’
Also read:
- ‘Despite everything he’s going through, Oskar keeps focusing on what is still possible. We’re so proud of him.’A cheerful, strong-willed boy with a big heart, that is Oskar. He is someone who likes to observe first. But as soon as he feels safe with someone, his whole personality shines through. At the age of six, Oskar is diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a tumor in his brain. His parents, Marta and Jarek, share their story.
- ‘He often said, “I’m the exception. I’m going to make it.” That mindset kept him going.’Wouter (24) passed away from a neuroblastoma. His mother Mirjam shares their story: 'To other parents going through such a journey, I want to say: make everything discussable with your child and the healthcare providers. Try to enjoy everything that is still possible. And listen carefully to your child's wishes.'
- ‘Nomi still has her place in our family. We keep the memories of her alive.’Nomi passed away at the age of five due to the consequences of neuroblastoma. Her parents, Yvon and Pieter, tell their story. ‘Nomi taught us a lot about resilience and positivity. Even in the very last stage of her life, she would still draw when she felt a little better. That resilience is also in us, I know that now.’