‘From surviving to living’: new docuseries for and by survivors of childhood cancer

Annick Sickinghe (25) was diagnosed with lymphoma at the age of fourteen. She has since graduated from art school and now works as a filmmaker. Commissioned by the Princess Máxima Center, Annick created the documentary series ‘From surviving to living’, which offers insight into how childhood cancer affects your life later on.

In the eight-part documentary series, personal stories about life after childhood cancer take center stage. Over the next four weeks, a new episode will be released each week on the LATER website and the Máxima Center’s YouTube channel.

About the documentary series

Each episode focuses on a different theme, such as the impact on mental and physical health, work, relationships, the desire to have children, relationships with brothers and sisters, and identity. The personal interviews are interwoven with animations, dance, music, and poetic imagery, created by adults with experience of (childhood) cancer. In addition to the personal stories, health care professionals from the Princess Máxima Center share expert advice for children and adults who have had childhood cancer, as well as for people around them.

Annick says: ‘This project is my way of inspiring others and showing that it is possible to lead a rich and fulfilling life after a childhood cancer diagnosis. Sharing these stories is a tribute to the strength of survivors and their ability to move from ‘surviving’ to ‘living’.’

Pediatric oncologist and clinical director Wouter Kollen of the Princess Máxima Center says: ‘Quality of life is about living a ‘meaningful’ life, based on each person’s own experiences and perspective, with support for one another.’

Fleur, who was diagnosed with a germ cell tumor at the age of fourteen, says: ‘I am taking part in this special series because I want to give hope to children who have cancer and to those who have had it.’

‘From surviving to living’ was created by people with lived experience, for people with lived experience. Close collaboration took place with representatives of the target group through VOX, the survivor group of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Association. The series helps viewers find relevant information and support after treatment for childhood cancer. It is also valuable for anyone who knows someone affected, as it helps explain the impact of late effects.

About the maker

After her treatment period, Annick Sickinghe served for three years as chair of the Children’s Advisory Board and as a member of the art committee of the Princess Máxima Center. Alongside her work as a documentary filmmaker, Annick is a visual artist and musician. She plays percussion in the festival brass band Valvetronic and writes and sings with the artistic duo Medemens.