Today, exactly 10 years ago, I arrived at Malta’s airport in a wheelchair, was lifted onto a plane, and flew to London for emergency surgery. A story I’ve never shared publicly.
For 1,5 years, I suffered from severe headaches and other health issues. I lost weight, focus, motivation. I barely slept. Doctors didn’t help, they mostly prescribed painkillers. At some point, I gave up and just hoped it would stop one day.
In the evening of Monday, January 4th, 2016, new symptoms appeared. My hands cramped, my face felt numb and tingly. I could barely walk. The pain was unbearable and I went to the hospital.
There, they ran several tests and kept me overnight. The next morning, a nurse came to my bed and said words I’ll never forget:
“We found a tumor in your head. But don’t worry, we will fix it.”
Do you know what I felt?
Relief.
Finally, they knew what it was. And they could treat it. I wasn’t scared at all. I felt calm and completely in trust. Clarity was stronger than fear.
Because the hospital was overcrowded, my MRI was delayed for days. But just 3 days later, I was nearly blind. The tumor was pressing on my optic nerves and I could only see about 5%, the rest was gray.
Even then, I wasn’t scared.
I was already thinking about what kind of work I could still do if I stayed blind. No programming or photography anymore!
And then everything happened very fast. After the MRI I was rushed to the airport, lifted into a commercial plane, and flown to London. On doctors orders the pilot flew a big detour to avoid pressure changes.
The surgery the next morning went incredibly well. Just 3 days later, I left the hospital, much earlier than expected by everyone, including the doctors.
I felt like a newborn.
It felt like a second chance.
Finally, no pain anymore.
One week later, after enjoying London with my family, I flew back home to Malta. The flight was super calm and outside was one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen.
I used to be afraid of flying.
That fear disappeared on that flight, and never came back.
I’ll always be grateful for that second chance. 🙏
08.01.2026