**Charlie Kawas Triumphs Over Cancer While Filming ‘Botched Homes’**
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Contractor and television personality Charlie Kawas recently revealed his battle with testicular cancer amid the filming of his debut season of the HGTV show, ‘Botched Homes’. The 44-year-old, who has made a name for himself by renovating homes previously left in disarray, continued his work throughout his treatment, displaying a remarkable spirit in the face of adversity.
Kawas was diagnosed with cancer during the production of the first season, with his story unfolding in real-time as episodes aired. Now, as the season progresses, viewers will witness his journey, including the moment he first received the news of his diagnosis this past April. Despite the challenges posed by the illness, Kawas opted to persist with filming, explaining that keeping busy was essential for him during such a difficult time.
In a preview of the upcoming episode, airing on October 7, Kawas is seen speaking with his wife, Pierra, about his diagnosis and treatment. The couple shares candid moments as they navigate this difficult period together. Pierra, 49, inquires about his wellbeing, to which Kawas responds positively, showcasing his determination to tackle the challenges life has thrown his way.
During the same clip, Kawas formally reveals the severity of his condition: “About a month ago, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. They said I had a three-inch mass the size of a grapefruit and two other little ones.” This announcement sheds light on the gravity of his battle while underscoring his resilience in continuing to work on home renovations for his clients.
Throughout the summer, as he underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy, Kawas maintained his commitment to his projects. Remarkably, he balanced work responsibilities even while receiving treatments, often taking calls and overseeing his crew from the comfort of a recliner during his infusions. For Kawas, staying engaged with his work was a vital part of his coping mechanism, as he explained, “If I let it affect me, that’s when it eats away at your body and your mind.”
In August, after months of filming and treatment, Kawas expressed optimism regarding his health. He was eagerly awaiting the results of a scheduled PET scan that he hoped would reveal a positive outcome after the rigorous rounds of chemotherapy.
On September 22, Kawas took to Instagram to celebrate a significant milestone in his battle against cancer: he is officially in remission. In a heartfelt statement shared with PEOPLE, he expressed his joy: “I’m happy to share that after completing four rounds of chemotherapy and going through my follow-up scan, I received the news I’d been waiting for. The oncologist team confirmed that the PET scan showed no evidence of active cancer!”
Reflecting on his journey, Kawas highlighted the challenges he faced during treatment, commenting, “It’s been a long journey, and hearing those words took a huge load off my shoulders. There were definitely some difficult days throughout treatment.” He stressed the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and pursuing day-to-day goals to aid his recovery.
As he continues to regain his strength, Kawas expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, particularly his wife and two daughters, Charli, 14, and Cami, 12. He voiced his profound appreciation for the team that assisted him throughout his health crisis, as well as the loyal fans who followed his journey.
In conclusion, Kawas shared a poignant message about the importance of cherishing life’s simple moments: “If there’s one thing this experience has taught me, it’s to appreciate the little things in life, especially the time we spend with our families. Life is short, and before I know it, my daughters will be off to college.” His story serves as an inspiring reminder to cherish each day and the people we love.
New episodes of ‘Botched Homes’ continue to air on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV, where viewers can follow Kawas as he skilfully balances home renovations with personal triumphs.