We came to Sicily from Tunisia in mid-2021 and wanted to spend the summer there. Michael hadn't been feeling well for a few weeks and was plagued by a dry cough day and night. In Catania, he suddenly coughed up blood and experienced severe pain on his right side. We went to the hospital immediately. After several inconclusive blood tests for Covid, he was diagnosed with lung cancer after an X-ray.
At that moment, the world collapsed for us, it felt like the falling wouldn't stop. As we were still in the middle of the Covid period, we weren't even allowed to see each other.
It was hell, but Michael decided not to die.
First we were supposed to have chemotherapy, then surgery, but after the chemotherapy we were told: "The tumor is still growing, there's nothing more we can do for you." Michael was only to receive palliative treatment.
Although he was already dying at a certain point, he rebelled once again and thanks to the efforts of his Sicilian family doctor, the thoracic surgeon agreed to attempt a life-saving operation after all.
In May 2022, Michael's entire right lung with a huge tumor was removed.
The doctors then said that you can still lead a "normal" life with one lung, i.e. sit on the couch in front of the TV, go to the cinema and maybe go for a walk in the park.
Sorry, but that's not our life, we want to see the world, go wherever we feel like going.
During our fight against cancer, we did an incredible amount of research, read a lot and for the first time in our lives had to deal intensively with cancer.
We realized that there is virtually no positive news, statistics or reports on the internet. Everything drags you down, everything is negative. This inevitably leads many people to despair and give up hope.
We want to show all these often desperate cancer patients that you shouldn't give up hope and that you have to fight for your life and your dreams.
Our aim is to encourage people to fight for their lives and their health.
We want to show everyone that only their own head sets the limits.
For Michael, it is a duty as a so-called "cancer survivor" to show what is still possible despite a cancer diagnosis.
Have the courage to push your boundaries!
