More than a year and a half ago, Isa van Orden (8) from Eindhoven was told that she had a rare form of cancer. The chance that she will recover is extremely small. Her brother Milano also has cancer. There was a bright spot on Thursday: despite her incurable illness, she was allowed to obtain her swimming diploma A.
Tears of happiness, emotion and sadness along the edge of the Ir on Thursday. Ottenbad in Eindhoven. While eight-year-old Isa was swimming laps and treading water, all kinds of conflicting thoughts went through the minds of the spectators. “I find it very emotional, but also very beautiful that the swimming pool does all this for Isa,” says grandmother Anita de Laat.
Isa’s biggest wish was to get her A-diploma and a big party was organized especially for her. All kinds of Disney characters were waiting for Isa at the door. Inside there was a guard of honor of all the children in Isa’s class at De Boschuil primary school in Eindhoven. “I think she will make it, because she is very brave,” says one of her classmates.
“Despite everything, Isa has a very positive outlook on life.”
Parents Linda and Erik were told last summer that the tumor in Isa’s head is getting bigger again after all the treatments. As if that wasn’t enough, son Milano (10) was also diagnosed with cancer during the autumn holidays. Milano is currently being treated in Utrecht. That’s why he and his mother couldn’t attend the swim. They could watch live via telephone how Isa completed all parts of the swimming exam.
“It’s very surprising, because she looks happy today and she’s looking forward to it. Yet it’s also very emotional because we all know what happens next,” says swimming teacher Amaya Luengo. “We try to remain as cheerful as possible, because that is very important for Isa. Despite everything, she has a very positive outlook on life.” Along the side of the pool, Isa is encouraged by her classmates and there is a banner with the text: ‘Isa goes for A, Go Go Isa’.
“It is of course very double. I am very proud.”
Among the dozens of interested parties there is also an official representative who monitors whether all parts of the swimming exam are carried out properly. She is happy and proud when Isa comes out of the water after treading water. She passed. Father Erik has difficulty suppressing his tears as his daughter holds the coveted piece of paper in the air. “It is of course very double. She has always wanted her A-diploma and now she has it and in this way. That is great. I am very proud.”
Next Tuesday Isa has to go to the hospital again for a very last chemo treatment. “Of course we want to keep hope. Last summer we already needed a miracle. This time it has to be a very big miracle,” says Erik.
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