The friendship between Silvia and Mirelle started by coincidence but quickly became something essential. Silvia: 'After the holiday at Villa Pardoes, we started seeing each other weekly at the Princess Máxima Center. Our children’s treatments often fell on the same day. That made our contact feel familiar very quickly. We also saw each other outside the center. We don’t live close by, unfortunately, but we text almost every day.'
How Milan is doing
Milan was 7 when he was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a kidney tumor that had spread to his lungs. The tumor was discovered during an ultrasound after he had blood in his urine. An intensive treatment program started at the Máxima Center. In the first weeks, he received strong chemotherapy. The tumor shrank enough to allow for surgery. In February 2024, his right kidney was removed. Mirelle: 'Thankfully, Milan is doing really well now. His treatment is finished. He comes to the Máxima Center every three months for checkups. He’s getting his energy back and goes to school every day with great joy. He’s already in grade 3!'
How Sofie is doing
Silvia’s daughter Sofie (4) still comes to the Máxima Center every week for treatment. She has tumors on her optic nerve – an optic glioma and a chiasmatic glioma – which cannot be removed surgically. 'We’re still in the middle of it,' says Silvia. 'The tumors will never go away. Sofie lives with a condition that will always require care. She’s receiving immunotherapy, which thankfully is working well. The tumors are shrinking, while the goal was actually just to keep them stable. That’s a good sign.'
Sofie comes to the Máxima Center every Tuesday. On other days, she usually goes to school and generally feels well. Silvia: 'Her toughest days usually fall on the weekend, which actually works out well, because she loves going to school. It’s a very difficult time, partly because of Sofie’s fear of needles. But as a family, we try to stay positive and hopeful.'
A special bond
Milan and Sofie go through many of the same things: having a feeding tube, losing hair. They feel comfortable with each other. Silvia: 'That recognition is probably comforting for the children, it gives a sense of safety. They get along really well, even though there’s a few years’ age difference.' Mirelle: 'When Milan was still in treatment, we tried to schedule his appointments at the Máxima Center around Sofie’s, so they could play and ride bikes through the hallways together. That is their favorite thing to do!'
The bond between the children is special, but the mothers also find a lot of support in each other. 'I don’t have to explain anything to Mirelle,' says Silvia. 'She knows how it feels: the nerves before a scan, the waiting for results. You don’t have to pretend it’s better than it is. That brings peace of mind. We only need one word. That’s what makes our friendship so special.'
Mirelle: 'We enjoy spending time together: from a K3 show to a weekend away. We recently shared a holiday cottage. That says something about how well we get along,' Mirelle says with a smile. 'Our husbands and the other kids also get along great, we are a fun and lively group. The next trip is already planned!'
What they want to share with other parents
Silvia: 'Be open to contact with other parents, in the waiting room, at the day treatment unit. You never know what valuable connection might come from it.' Mirelle adds: 'And be honest with each other. If your child isn’t doing well, or if you’re having a hard time, share that. Other parents going through the same thing understand better than anyone.'
