**Renovation Expert Charlie Kawas Opens Up About Cancer Battle During ‘Botched Homes’ Production**
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Charlie Kawas, the face of the new HGTV series *Botched Homes*, has shared his remarkable journey of coping with a life-altering cancer diagnosis while pursuing his passion for home renovation. Diagnosed with testicular cancer during the production of his first television series, Kawas has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his craft amid personal challenges.
At 44, Kawas is not only a seasoned general contractor and master craftsman but also a dedicated father of two. He describes construction as his life’s passion, telling PEOPLE, “Eat, sleep, construction. That’s exactly me.” His enthusiastic approach to renovation shines as he embarks on a mission to help South Florida homeowners recover from disastrous renovations. *Botched Homes*, premiering on September 2, features Kawas tackling these projects, transforming homes that local residents have been eager to complete but have found themselves struggling with.
Kawas’s life took a dramatic turn halfway through filming when he received a testicular cancer diagnosis on April 1. Initially ignoring persistent back pain, he found himself in hospital undergoing a series of tests. The gravity of the news shocked him. “The doctor came in. He goes, ‘I have some terrible news,’” he recalled, grappling with the sudden change in his life. Yet, his response was pragmatic: “Alright, well, what do we do now?”
Despite the recommended immediate start of chemotherapy, Kawas felt compelled to continue overseeing renovations on several projects. Expressing his dedication he states, “I’m the guy on the ladder, on the scaffold, doing the work, dealing with the clients.” With a busy shooting schedule and projects underway, he grappled with the urgent need for treatment while balancing his responsibilities.
Undeterred by the diagnosis, Kawas opted to manage his clients’ needs while also continuing to film the series until production wrapped in late August. “These homeowners put trust in us,” he reflected on his decision to keep filming, believing it might inspire others facing similar hardships. His resolve to share this intimate part of his life on the show demonstrates his desire to connect with audiences. He commented, “Let’s include it and let the world know that when you get terrible news like I did, that doesn’t mean you stop everything.”
Kawas briefly postponed his medical treatment, taking two weeks to align his projects before beginning chemotherapy. Juggling the demands of work and health was no small feat, and he made sure to involve his wife, Pierra, and their daughters, Charli and Cami, in the difficult conversation about his condition. Preparing them for the physical and emotional toll of treatment, he expressed determination to face the journey with resilience.
Even as treatment commenced, the challenges persisted. He often conducted video calls from his treatment chair, attempting to maintain a grip on his work while conserving energy for essential projects. “There were times it was difficult,” Kawas admitted, illustrating the dual pressures of professional commitments and personal health. Yet, he felt that this unexpected turn of events allowed him to spend more quality time with his daughters, reinforcing important family bonds that often get overlooked in the busy world of construction.
Although he has now completed his treatment, Kawas continues to feel the effects. He experiences ongoing fatigue, weight loss, and notable hair changes, but remains hopeful and eager. “I’m eager to get back on the job and start swinging the hammer again,” he stated with determination.
One vital test remains: a PET scan that will reveal whether he is officially cancer-free. Kawas feels optimistic about his prognosis and sees this experience as an opportunity to inspire others. “I want to show people that you can keep going. Don’t give up,” he asserted, aiming to motivate those who might confront their own battles.
As *Botched Homes* prepares to grace screens, Kawas hopes to blend his professional expertise with a heartfelt narrative, offering viewers a glimpse into his journey of resilience. The series premieres on September 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV, with the episodes available for streaming on HBO Max the following day. Through his story, Kawas seeks to demonstrate that life’s unexpected challenges can be met with courage and determination, inspiring others to forge ahead despite adversity.