Sven, Austria

United by Unique: My Journey Through and Beyond Cancer

As we mark World Cancer Day 2025 under the theme “UNITED BY UNIQUE,” I reflect on how my struggle with cancer has reshaped my perspective on both work and life. Each of us carries a distinct story - a narrative of challenges, resilience, and growth. In sharing mine, I hope to inspire a broader conversation that places people at the heart of care. Our differences are not barriers but bridges that connect us in our collective fight against cancer.
In 2019, my life was upended by a diagnosis of stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma - cancer, a word that alone carries such finality for many. For me, it was a call to action, a challenge to confront the unknown with the practical determination of a scientist and the emotional courage of a human being. I was known as someone level-headed and analytical - a physicist turned financial services professional - and yet cancer defied any formula or equation I had ever encountered.
From the outset, I recognized that surviving cancer wasn’t about science alone. Despite my rational approach, I leaned on someone whose vigilance and care proved indispensable: my wife. Her methodical attention to every detail of my treatment, especially during the difficult weeks of hospitalization, was a guiding light during one of the most trying periods of my life. Her unwavering support allowed me to see that even in our most vulnerable moments, we are never truly alone.
Cancer transformed my understanding of time and purpose. Prior to my diagnosis, I believed I had an abundance of time to make a positive impact. But when survival itself is threatened, every moment acquires a new urgency. The terms “BC” (before cancer) and “AC” (after cancer) began to define my life. The experience instilled in me an acute awareness that my time is precious - a finite resource to be dedicated to meaningful work and genuine human connection.
My journey was not mine alone. I was profoundly supported by my colleagues at SimCorp, where I held dual roles as Global Practice Lead and Professional Services Manager in Central Europe. Their understanding and willingness to adjust and sacrifice during my recovery underscored an essential truth: our professional lives must reflect our full identities. When we nurture one another during our darkest times, we create an environment where every individual’s unique experiences and strengths can shine through.
Today, I stand in remission, forever changed but deeply grateful for the lessons learned. I am committed to making a positive difference, guided by the belief that when we honor our individual journeys, we become stronger together. My cancer experience is a reminder that our shared vulnerabilities can unite us, empowering us to face adversity with compassion, resolve, and a commitment to transforming our personal battles into collective strength.
United by our unique experiences, let us continue to support one another and advocate for a world where every story is valued and every life is cherished.