José “Pepe” Mujica, former President of Uruguay, announced this Monday that he is fighting a cancerous tumor in the esophagus.
Known for his modest and frugal lifestyle, the charismatic left-wing politician, who turns 89 on May 20, says he is facing a challenging situation, as he suffers from other health problems.
“This is obviously very complicated and doubly so in my case”, declared José Mujica, who learned the bad news on Friday, after routine examinations.
Doctors are studying the best form of treatment, but chemotherapy and surgery pose challenges because the man who presided over Uruguay’s destinies between 2010 and 2015 also suffers from an autoimmune disease.
The former guerrilla fighter promises to continue fighting for the causes of his life, despite his cancer diagnosis.
“I want to convey to all young people that life is beautiful, but it wears out and you fall,” he declared.
“The point is to start over every time you fall, and if there is anger, transform it into hope”, he stressed.
José Mujica, also known as Pepe, became President of Uruguay at the age of 74 and remained politically active after retirement.
