About me
My name is Jürgen. I am a father of three, an Iceland enthusiast, and a pancreatic cancer survivor from Lübeck. In 2022, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This diagnosis, the effects of the disease, and the aftereffects of the surgery turned my life completely upside down.
Today, my everyday life is different than it was before the disease. It took a long time for me to be able to walk again after the surgery and have enough energy to get through my days. Over time, the idea of facing old and new challenges after the disease matured in me to truly make the most of my second, gifted life.
In 2023, I came up with the idea of traveling around Iceland by bike. During the exhausting recovery period, Iceland was always a beacon for me, and thoughts of the island gave me hope and the courage not to give up. I am grateful that I can ride my bike again today and now I want to take on the challenge of traveling around Iceland by bike.
The goal of this trip is to encourage other sufferers, as well as their families, not to give up. Even though life, especially with cancer, is fraught with setbacks, there are many things worth fighting for. The journey through Iceland will therefore serve as a metaphor for the hilly, rocky, but also thoroughly hopeful path through cancer. This bike tour also serves as a way to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Only about 10% of pancreatic cancer patients survive in Germany, and that’s why I want to draw attention to it. Early screening can lead to timely diagnoses and potentially save lives.
The ADP
To support patients and their families, as well as to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer, I also serve as the Schleswig-Holstein regional group leader in the AdP, the Arbeitskreis der Pankreatektomierten (Working Group of Pancreatectomy Patients).
The AdP provides support on topics related to the pancreas and rehabilitation, and offers patients, their families, and interested parties the opportunity to exchange ideas and share experiences. This volunteer work is a matter close to my heart, giving me the opportunity to learn even more about the pancreas and life after a life-changing illness.
Rudern gegen Krebs
Since 2024, I’ve also been participating in Rudern gegen Krebs (Rowing Against Cancer), an initiative run by Leben mit Krebs (Living with Cancer). Together with other cancer sufferers, I participate in weekly rowing training, where I prepare with my fellow rowers for charity regattas that take place several times a year.
Besides the fresh air, exercise, and togetherness, I’ve found in rowing a hobby that’s good for me and my body. The opportunity to be part of a team and row together for a good cause is fulfilling. By the way: Rowing Against Cancer is available at numerous locations.
