Emma Heesters candid about cancer: “Everything will get better”
The shock was great when Emma Heesters shared with the world that she had cancer. Cervical cancer, to be precise. And it had metastasized as well. I heard it through a reliable source. She had canceled a concert at the last minute. Without giving a reason, but – as her manager said – it had a ‘real reason’. And that turned out to be true.
Cervical cancer in Emma
Emma decided to openly share her diagnosis and treatment journey with her followers. Because she wants to be honest about what she is going through, and also to warn others. Cervical cancer is a silent killer: you often only notice something is wrong when it is already far advanced. That’s why it is incredibly important to get Pap smears (by the way, here you can read about how to make the Pap smear more pleasant) on time. And to not refuse the HPV vaccination because since its introduction, the number of cases of cervical cancer among women in the Netherlands has significantly decreased. Research has shown that this vaccine offers about 95% protection against long-term infections with this HPV type.
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Freezing eggs
Because chemotherapy is harmful to your eggs, Emma chose to freeze her eggs first – before the treatment process began. So that when the time comes, she still has the chance to become a mother. She also shared this, with tears on her cheeks, with her followers. As if she wanted to say: look at the bizarre situation I have found myself in.
Current status: beating cancer
What is so sweet about Emma is that despite everything, she still finds moments to keep her followers updated. When someone is sick, I think that person is completely justified in only thinking about themselves. But Emma continues to take her fans along in her process. Almost as if she also wants to comfort them: “It will be alright, really.”
Metastatic cancer
Earlier this year, she announced that the cancer had metastasized. The treatment became more intense, and the end station ‘cure’ seemed a bit further out of sight.
Yet good news for Emma Heesters
After a long period in which she saw the hospital more often than Ahoy, a ray of sunshine seems to be shining on her path again. First came the news that Emma will be a coach at The Voice Kids, and now there is also a new song: Everything Will Get Better. In this, she takes the listener along on her personal journey. She again emphasizes the importance of loving arms around you.
“My head sometimes runs away with me
I drive myself crazy again
And I still don’t hear what you say
And I don’t know yet if it should be
Because I have never been here before
I can’t go around it, so I have to go through it
Will you hold me? Even if it’s just for a moment
Because it’s storming, it’s burning, and it’s raining
Keep me close, because everything is against me
Say that you stay and hold me tight
And everything will get better…”
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The reactions are pouring in
After the launch of the song – framed with personal and vulnerable images – Emma was also ‘held’ online. It rained hearts: over 128,000. And there were more than 5000 reactions. From Trijntje, Simon Keizer – “goosebumps everywhere” – Wendy van Dijk, Chantal Janzen (I suddenly stumbled upon this piece about Chantal Janzen where she honestly talks about her Botox and I found her so cool and brave again), Nicolette van Dam and thousands of others.
Brave, sweet Emma
Emma remains an inspiration for many. She was already that in the field of music, but now also as a symbol of strength, resilience, and vulnerability at the same time.
So that we may enjoy her for as long as possible. The red carpet for her return is laid out. Just so you know, Emma.
Emma in brief
We know Emma Heesters from her YouTube channel where she sang famous songs and immediately stood out with her beautiful voice and sweet face. Not long after, she was asked by artists to collaborate with them as she did with Rolf Sanchez and Kris Kross Amsterdam. She also participated in Beste Zangers and De Verraders and played a leading role in the musical show Santa Claus is Coming To Town next to Buddy Vedder and Frank Lammers.
What you can do
If you are reading this, it could very well be that you have a friend who is seriously ill. Unfortunately, I am no exception to that, and my loved ones have also had to fight for their lives. And one is even doing that at this moment. I wrote about what you can do if your friend is seriously ill. Because you might think that you can’t do anything, but that is really not true. You also make a difference. No matter how small. Everything counts and everything helps.
