‘I surprised myself most when I realized I am not that quiet or shy.’

The diagnosis

Jade was fourteen when she heard that she had cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, a muscle cell tumor in her throat. Jade: ‘I didn’t think: why me? I just thought, this is what it is and I have to live with it. My dream was to go to teacher training college, so that stayed my plan. When the results got worse, I knew I couldn’t continue with that dream.’ Jade received many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. The treatment worked at first and the tumor became smaller. But after some time, the tumor started to grow again and since June 2025 Jade knows that there are no more treatment options. ‘It feels very mixed. Since I stopped receiving chemo, I have my energy back and feel more like myself again. At the same time, I know there is no treatment left. That realization hurts.’

Being open helps

‘When I get bad news, I first need to process it myself. I take my time. After that, I call my family and friends. And usually that same day I post something on Instagram. That helps me let it go and means I don’t have to answer the same questions over and over.’ When Jade started sharing her story on Instagram a few years ago, the number of followers grew quickly. Local media picked up her story, and later national TV programs did as well.

Jade: ‘I didn’t expect to share my story with such a big audience. I surprised myself. In high school I was quite shy, well-behaved and quiet. By being open, I receive support, and that comforts me. In the beginning I said yes to everything, but now I choose what fits me and the energy I have.’ Her openness touches people. ‘My family thinks it’s beautiful that I share everything. I often receive messages from parents of young children who also have cancer. They say my stories help them understand their child better. That means so much to me.’ 

‘Say something, don’t say nothing’

After her diagnosis, Jade noticed that people around her often didn’t know what to say. Jade: ‘At school, classmates often said nothing about me being ill. That made me feel so alone. I wish they would have said something, anything. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just ask: how can I help you? Say that you find it difficult. That is already enough.’ She also sees a role for parents. ‘If you learn at home to look out for others, you carry that with you. In our home that’s normal. We are there for each other and everything is allowed to be there. If you are sad or if you are happy, both are okay.’

Being happy even when you know you are going to die

Jade knows her time is limited. Still, it doesn’t always feel that way. ‘I feel good, I’m happy. And at the same time I know I don’t have long to live… It’s impossible to fully grasp. My wonderful doctors prepare me for everything. It’s difficult, because no one can predict exactly what will happen. They think along with me about practical things, explain the symptoms I may experience and tell me what I shouldn’t forget to arrange. They support me in everything I ask.

Even though it is incredibly sad, I find this support and care in the last phase very comforting. The care here is good and careful. The Máxima Center is a place I would rather not be, but now that I have to be here, it feels like my second home. The hardest part is saying goodbye to my family and the loved ones I will leave behind. How am I supposed to do that, how do I say goodbye to my parents, my brother and sisters…? I don’t want to think about that. Right now I’m doing well, and I enjoy that.’

For others, with so much love

In the time she has left, it is very important to Jade to help others. ‘Parents or children who have questions can always talk to me or send me a message. You are not alone. I know how hard it is to deal with the fact that you have cancer. I’m happy to help.’

Jade set up the Jade Foundation. It offers families of children with cancer a meaningful ‘moment to breathe’ in a vacation cottage. During a midweek stay or weekend, families can make special memories together, take a break from the intensive treatment process, and meet other families.