A survivor’s story: Rachel was diagnosed with leukemia at age twelve. Now she works in the cleanrooms at the Máxima Center

When we publish this story, it is December 1, 2024. Today marks exactly 14 years since Rachel completed her cancer treatment. Five years ago, she moved from England to the Netherlands to continue her PhD at the Princess Máxima Center. She now produces specialized cell and gene therapies for children with cancer and lives in Den Bosch with her fiancé. ‘Although it did not feel that way at the time, it seems as if everything happened for a reason.’

Rachel shares: ‘As a twelve-year-old, I loved sports. But suddenly I was tired and pale. On June 19, 2008, my mother had a blood test done. While I was home alone, a man came to the door. He introduced himself as Dr. Macgillyray. He sat down in the kitchen and together we called my parents: “I think she has leukemia.” I did not know that word. Within an hour, I was admitted to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, my second home for quite some time.

Royal Hospital for Sick Children

The first month went by quickly: I stayed in the hospital, received a port-a-cath, and had my first chemotherapy. The treatment lasted two and a half years in total. At first, I felt pretty okay. Many visitors came with gifts, and I was allowed to eat whatever I wanted. My hair fell out, but I did not mind.

That changed later. I began to feel worse and worse: tired, nauseous, infections, no appetite, and eventually I needed a feeding tube. If my temperature rose above 37.2°C, I had to stay in the hospital for at least 48 hours.

Endless side effects

In addition to nausea and vomiting, I experienced other side effects. The muscle in my left foot weakened, so I wore a brace. Painful mouth sores sometimes made it impossible to eat, and infections kept me isolated in my room.

After vincristine and intrathecal methotrexate, I developed stroke-like symptoms. In a panic, I was taken to the emergency room. I could not speak normally. I wanted to say things, but no words came out. This lasted for several weeks. To this day, I still struggle with fine motor skills in my hand.

Learning about cancer cells

I was determined to keep working toward my goals. When my hair started to grow back and I was able to do the same things as my friends again, I began to feel better. At school, I loved art and biology. I was still young and did not know what I wanted to do after graduation, but those subjects definitely sparked my interest. I learned more and more about cancer cells. Eventually, I applied to university to study molecular biology. Later, I moved to Aberdeen to study Immunology. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

After earning my master’s degree, I wanted to pursue a PhD in leukemia, preferably in pediatric cancer. A position opened in Newcastle, and I was accepted. That felt incredible. After one year, I moved to the Netherlands to continue my project at the Princess Máxima Center. I found that very exciting. I had no idea what kind of life was waiting for me there…’

‘The new life’

‘I was 23 when I moved to the Netherlands. Fortunately, I already knew a few people from the research group, which made the transition easier. The first times I walked into the Máxima Center, I felt overwhelmed. Many memories came back. At the same time, it was wonderful to see children having fun. The way the Máxima Center is designed especially for them is very special to me.

I work as a product specialist in the cleanrooms, producing specialized cell and gene therapies for children with cancer. So much has changed and improved, both in care and in research. It feels good to know that my work can truly make a difference. In the future, I hope to further develop my expertise in cell and gene therapy.

Looking back

Although it did not feel that way at the time, it sometimes seems as if everything happened for a reason. That may sound controversial, because not all children are fortunate enough to survive. But sometimes I look back and realize how everything fell into place, even if it did not feel that way then. An experience like that can change how you see life, although I do not live every day feeling that I have to embrace it. Life has good days and bad days, but I am grateful for the life I have and for where I am today. I can never thank my family, the nurses, and the doctors enough for everything they have done for me.’