GILLES

I’m able to breathe, to love, to smile, to laugh, to feel
and to listen to music.

Cancer is an opportunity to grow as a human being and share my experience to others in order to inspire them to see life from a different perspective and as it should be seen: a beautiful adventure!

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Gilles Van der Spek. I’m a 36-year-old chap from Brussels and
founder of the PROFITIVISME mindset.
3+ years ago, I got diagnosed with a Neuroendocrine tumour of the pancreas
with metastasis on the liver. Too advanced to be cured, I have been promised
the best quality of life over the longest quantity of time possible.

What does cancer mean to you?

An opportunity to perceive life from a different angle, that only few of us ever
have the chance to see. An opportunity to grow as a human person and share
my experience to others in order to inspire them to see life from a different
perspective and as it should be seen: a beautiful adventure!

Joy is being at peace with yourself, with what you are facing in life and whatever it is, being able to talk & smile about it.

What makes today a good day?
Life! Be able to breathe, to love, to smile, to laugh, to feel and to listen to
music.

What do you need on bad/sad days?
Time with myself, music, space and knowing that at any given time I have
someone out there ready to see me, hug me or just be present, in silence.

What is your definition of joy?
Being at peace with yourself, with what you are facing in life and whatever it
is, being able to talk & smile about it. With a positive mindset.

What has changed you the most since your diagnosis?
Time I have given to myself to discover who I truly am, what I truly love, what I
truly need and wish. That time that I had never given myself has allowed me
to be who I am today.

How do you show your support to others?
By being present for them. By being myself, without peer pressure, with social obligations. By sharing my story and how I see life today with the hope that it can help others to face their adversity with peace.

Watch your attitude! Life may give you a cactus, you don’t have to sit on it.

What are your take aways?
Listen to yourself, find time to discover what is best for you and aim for that.
Oh, and enjoy life, truly. As it is beautiful

What do you like to pass along to your peers?
Pay it forward

Is there anything you would like to tell yourself?
Attitude! Life may give you a cactus, you don’t have to sit on it. The way you
handle your life is your own decision. And choosing a positive attitude is key to success and happiness.