Turning Science and Compassion into Support for Children

SCIENCE | 4 MIN READ

“I wanted to write a book that would support children going through a serious medical journey,” says Lotte Mulder ’07, “helping them understand what was happening to them and ensuring they did not feel alone.”

That intention became Mia the Marvelous Lab Explorer, which Lotte wrote together with Kamran Mirza. From the outset, she was thinking not only about children facing medical treatment, but also about how isolating that experience can be. “When someone gets diagnosed with something like leukemia, it creates a ripple effect throughout their whole community,” she explains, “impacting their family, friends, classmates, and more.”

That broader impact shaped the book from the beginning. Lotte wanted to create a resource that could help children understand what is happening to their bodies, while also helping the people around them “understand how to respond with empathy and kindness.”

A Way of Thinking Shaped Early On

Lotte traces much of this perspective back to her time at University College Utrecht. “My time at UCU shaped me in many ways, both personally and professionally,” she says. UCU encouraged “curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine appreciation for diverse perspectives,” she reflects—an environment where students were expected to “ask questions, challenge assumptions, and look at problems from multiple angles.”

That mindset deeply influenced how she thinks about leadership. “Leadership is not about titles or authority,” Lotte says, “but about accountability, empathy, and the ability to bring people together around a shared purpose.”

Those values continue to guide how she approaches projects like Mia the Marvelous Lab Explorer.

Supporting Caregivers With Shared Language

One group Lotte thought carefully about while writing the book was caregivers. 

“For caregivers, the experience can feel overwhelming and isolating,” she explains. “They are asked to make critical decisions, manage their child’s emotions and somehow still find the strength to process their own feelings.” At the same time, caregivers are often responsible for explaining complex medical information to a child “who is scared, confused, and trying to make sense of what is happening.”

“My goal was to lift some of that burden,” Lotte says. Mia the Marvelous Lab Explorer explains leukemia in “simple, scientifically accurate terms” and covers related experiences such as frequent blood draws or changes in hair. The aim, she explains, is to give families and communities “a shared language for these conversations.”

For caregivers, the experience can feel overwhelming and isolating. My goal was to lift some of that burden.

Blending Science, Storytelling, and Compassion

Lotte’s professional journey strongly influenced how she approached the book. “Throughout my career, I have worked closely with people navigating complex challenges,” she says, “and I have learned how important it is to combine clear, accurate information with empathy and understanding.” She wanted the book to reflect that same balance, scientifically accurate explanations that feel accessible and compassionate for children and their families.

Storytelling, she adds, has always been a powerful tool in her work, helping people process experiences and connect with ideas. Writing a book allowed her to create a resource that “not only educates but also inspires curiosity and courage.”

“My goal was always to empower children to understand their medical journey,” she says, “while encouraging empathy and kindness among those around them.”

Impact Beyond the Page

From the start, Lotte and her collaborators planned to donate copies of the book to children’s hospitals, pediatric oncology clinics, libraries, and schools. What they didn’t expect was how many people would purchase copies themselves to donate locally.

“This generosity inspired us to create a fundraising campaign to donate even more books,” Lotte says. “The response has reminded us of the power of books to bring people together and to support children and communities.” The fundraiser runs until International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day on 15 February.

What has been most meaningful, she says, is hearing from families, caregivers, and children who have read and loved the story. “Knowing that the book can bring comfort and strength during an incredibly challenging time has been profoundly rewarding,” she reflects. “And hearing how it has fostered an interest in science (and pathology!) has been a wonderful bonus.”