The Story Behind Stichting Help Mo Nu!

When Shymo (20) hears that her cancer is incurable, she decides to take action. She writes everything down. Because what it feels like to receive a diagnosis like that is something you cannot find anywhere. Her blogs and notes were compiled into a book: ‘I’M NOT HERE TO EAT FCKING COUSCOUS!’*

Shymo stood out and knew exactly what she wanted. No matter the situation, she was able to motivate herself. She always found a positive perspective. She was funny, creative, and deeply compassionate toward others. This is reflected, among other things, in her determination to write a book for others facing a similar situation. ‘I want to show that if you handle it positively and stay strong, you can go a long way,’ Shymo always said.

An Incurable Tumor

In November 2016, sixteen-year-old Shymo twisted her ankle at school. It will probably feel better tomorrow, she thought. But on her bike ride home, she had to stop by the side of the road. The pain persisted. Eventually, an MRI was performed. ‘There is something there that should not be, but we cannot say exactly what it is,’ the doctors told her.

After several months and multiple examinations at the Princess Máxima Center, Shymo received the diagnosis in May 2017: brainstem cancer, diffuse, fast-growing, malignant, and highly aggressive.

Shymo was angry, but determined to survive. Once home, she said, ‘I want to watch a documentary or read a book right now about someone who has gone through this.’ But there was nothing. ‘Then I will do it myself.’

On www.helpmonu.nl, she kept a diary. In the meantime, her travel journals, conversations, notes, and blogs were compiled as the foundation for her book.

Stichting Help Mo Nu!

Together with her family, she also founded a charity: Stichting Help Mo Nu! The foundation quickly became national news, and within three months they had raised a remarkable amount of money. Initially, the proceeds of Stichting Help Mo Nu! were intended for a medication from the United States. However, Shymo Korver passed away on April 5, 2021, as a result of brainstem cancer.

In accordance with Shymo’s wishes, the funds were made available for the research of her pediatric oncologist, Jasper van der Lugt. Together with colleagues at the Princess Máxima Center, he works internationally on research into new medications for children with brain tumors. ‘Jasper knows how he can help the most children,’ Shymo said as her main reason.

‘Wedding, birthday? Donate to the Princess Máxima Center. I have become bold enough to suggest it,’ says Ilonka Korver, Shymo’s mother. ‘It also provided distraction. You feel that you are not alone.’

Thanks to Stichting Help Mo Nu!, progress is being made in research into new medications for children with brain tumors. This type of innovative research is not reimbursed through regular healthcare budgets and is therefore entirely dependent on donations from individuals, companies, fundraising initiatives, and foundations such as Stichting Help Mo Nu!

Would you like to learn more about supporting a specific project or research initiative? Please contact the Princess Máxima Center Foundation at foundation@prinsesmaximacentrum.nl.

Shymo’s book can be ordered through her website: www.helpmonu.nl