Today is a bit of a special day for me. I completed my first 5k in a long time, against quite some odds. I have been dealing with a range of ailments for a year and a half. It’s been quite the journey.
When I started, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to live, so that says a lot about the road I had to walk.
But at some point I decided that I was here and I might as well make it count. So I began to surround myself with a team of doctors to deal with both my physical and psychological difficulties. And I focused my life on that.
I was lucky to have around me a life partner that supported my quest every step of the way; Beatrice, I love you.
Then I discovered painting. It changed my life once again, and I had the idea to use that new interest to pay it forward. That gave me a very tangible reason to live more. I will soon talk about this initiative here.
And so the bottom line of this story is that even when you are deep down in a hole; when you feel broken and even your body seems to disagree with everything — well, give it time. Time doesn’t really heal anything, but it gives you an opportunity to see another day and it allows the world to spin a little more. Everything changes around you, and so maybe the stars can realign and you’ll feel different too.
The reason I’m saying this is to make a statement and also thank the amazing team of doctors that have followed me and helped me make this first objective a reality. 5k isn’t much. My goal is to run another marathon in the coming 2 years. But I learned to put one foot in front of the other. And that’s everything. I celebrate every little victory today.
Dr. Balnath, Chanda — your advice, your ongoing support are priceless. You are amazing.
Dr. Ivan Dimov — my heart can’t thank you enough
Dr. Valery Fabre, Dr. Francesco Puleo & Dr. Sophie Walckiers — you really helped me stand on my feet.
Dr. Alexander Schuermans — For your ongoing care
And my favorite physical therapist: Catherine Meynart, who makes me work hard every week: you rebuilt me — you are incredible.
Thank you — from the bottom of my heart. 🙏
My health takes a step in the right direction
