The Diagnosis
At age 32, my life completely changed. I moved to the Arava, and on the day of the move I had a severe asthma attack. I tried inhalers again and again, but they no longer helped. An ambulance was called to Soroka Hospital. At first they found nothing on the x-ray, but a CT scan revealed the truth — I have COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In that moment a terrifying thought crossed my mind: I have a little two-year-old child — and maybe I won't get to see him grow up.
"In that moment a terrifying thought crossed my mind: I have a little two-year-old child — and maybe I won't get to see him grow up."
The Decline
The first year after diagnosis was very difficult. I fell into a state of grief, isolation and depression. A year later came another attack — even worse. Shortness of breath worsened, inhalers didn't help, and my condition deteriorated rapidly. I was on a ventilator for a month and a half. When I was discharged — I was attached to an oxygen tank 24 hours a day.
The Decision
In the hospital I had a lot of time to think. I read about the disease on the internet, and most things were depressing. But amid all of it I made one decision: I was going to be a medical miracle. I decided to take responsibility for my life. I started pulmonary rehabilitation, changed my medication regimen, and worked on my body. At first I could only walk a few steps and stop. Today I can already walk without an oxygen tank.
The Lessons
The disease changed my life — but it also taught me a lot. I learned that you can work with your head, not just your hands. I learned to listen to myself and invest in my mental and emotional health. Most of all, I learned to appreciate the small things — time with my son, with my partner. My message is clear: quitting smoking can save lives. If even one person reads my story and stops smoking — in my view I've completed my mission.
"I decided I was going to be a medical miracle — taking responsibility for my life and my health."
— Yosef Malik
