Exhibition 'Heroes' about childhood cancer worldwide in De Hallen from October 15, 2025

They are called Super Teddy, Superfluf, Super Doctor and Wonderwoman - these are some of the superheroes who have drawn children with cancer from the Netherlands, Indonesia, Suriname, Kenya and Armenia. The superheroes have unique powers to rid the world of childhood cancer. The children's drawings and their creators can be seen on large banners in De Passage van De Hallen.

Better chances of survival

The exhibition in De Hallen also shows the 80/20 paradox in childhood cancer survival worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries, where 80% of children with cancer live, childhood cancer survival is 20%. In high-income countries, this is the other way around. Despite this disparity, pediatric oncology professionals around the world are working to improve survival rates.

The 'Heroes' exhibition is therefore concurrently with the SIOP World Congress (October 20 to 23), where more than 3,500 pediatric oncology professionals come to the RAI in Amsterdam to share the latest insights. International cooperation and knowledge exchange are indispensable because every form of childhood cancer is rare.

International cooperation

Rob Pieters, Chief Máxima International of the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in Utrecht, says: “Good care is not accessible to every child worldwide. Based on our mission - to cure every child with cancer, with an optimal quality of life - we are also working internationally to reduce this inequality. International collaborations provide a win-win situation. We have Twinning partnerships with institutions in Indonesia, Sub-Saharan Africa + Suriname, Eurasia and Eastern, Central and Southern Europe. Through knowledge sharing and training, children inside and outside the Netherlands get access to better diagnosis and treatment. In addition, it will be possible to collect data on a larger scale and conduct joint research. We believe that every child deserves the best care, no matter where they live. Cooperation across borders is therefore essential. And this requires a lot of money.

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About the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology

When a child is seriously ill with cancer, only one thing comes first: cure.

Every year, around 600 children in the Netherlands are diagnosed with cancer. That's why at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, we work together every day to push boundaries and passionately to improve the survival rate and quality of life for children with cancer. Now, and in the longer term. Because children still have a whole life ahead of them.

The Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht is not an ordinary hospital, but a research hospital. All children with cancer in the Netherlands are treated here and all research into pediatric cancer takes place here. More than 900 healthcare professionals and 600 researchers work closely together. This makes the Princess Máxima Center the largest pediatric cancer center in Europe. International cooperation is essential to continue improving care and research for children with cancer. By sharing knowledge and data, better treatments and new perspectives on healing are created more quickly.

This is how we provide today's child with the very best care and we are taking important steps to improve the chances of survival for children who are not yet cured. We do this in the Netherlands and worldwide.

About Máxima International

Within the Princess Máxima Center, the Máxima International department is committed to improving care and research for children with cancer worldwide and increasing the educational level of pediatric oncology professionals. We do this, among other things, through twinning partnerships and education and training for professionals in low and middle income countries. Together, we are committed to one mission: to cure every child with cancer with optimal quality of life. Globally.

About the Princess Máxima Foundation

At the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in Utrecht, all children with cancer from the Netherlands are treated and hard work is being done to improve the survival rate and quality of life of children with cancer. In addition to properly treating children with cancer, special facilities and programs are crucial for children and families during the long-term treatment process and in the period thereafter. The Princess Máxima Center Foundation is committed to the children of the Máxima Center and their families. They do this by raising funds for projects that are not reimbursed but that are very important for the well-being of the child and family. This includes, for example, the parents' rooms, the pain and stress reduction program and the sports garden. In addition, the Foundation also recruits for progressive research, innovative treatment methods and training, and education in the field of pediatric oncology. All with the aim of accelerating the Princess Máxima Center's mission to cure every child with cancer with optimal quality of life. Your contribution to this is indispensable. Together, we make a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

About SIOP

From October 20 to 23, 2025, the Princess Máxima Center will host the SIOP Congress, the largest international conference on pediatric cancer. Every year, SIOP, the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, brings together thousands of healthcare professionals and researchers from pediatric oncology to share knowledge and strengthen international cooperation. The conference in the RAI Amsterdam underlines the importance of a global approach to pediatric cancer and the role of the Máxima as a leading research hospital.

About De Hallen Amsterdam

De Hallen Amsterdam is a vibrant cultural center in a former tram depot in Amsterdam-West, where art, craft, fashion, film and hospitality come together. With three million visitors a year, De Hallen is a popular meeting place in the city.

About Amsterdam Convention Bureau

The Amsterdam Convention Bureau (ACB), part of amsterdam&partners, worked with the Princess Máxima Center to bring the SIOP Congress to Amsterdam.

As part of the conference office's grant plan, the ACB makes both a financial and organizational contribution to this impact program. This program is accessible to both residents and visitors to Amsterdam and is presented under the iamsterdam label.