FIS race director Jan Tischhauser battling leukemia

By Published On: December 12th, 2013Comments Off on FIS race director Jan Tischhauser battling leukemia
SKI ALPIN - FIS WC Garmisch Partenkirchen, Abfahrt, Damen, Training

Tischhauser in Garmisch Feb. 2013 (GEPA/Thomas Bachun)

This was supposed to be the 21st and final season for Jan Tischhauser, 63, as FIS race director for the ladies speed events before he retires from the position. But life does not always go according to plan, and one week before the World Cup opening in Soelden, Jan was diagnosed with leukemia. Consequently, Jan is unable to undertake his role out on the courses this season and his absence and expertise is felt by his FIS colleagues, the teams, coaches and organizers alike.

Jan is being treated in the division of hematology at the University Hospital Zurich by the team of Dr. Markus Manz.

“There are many different forms of leukemia, and Mr. Tischhauser is affected by a form that is called acute lymphoblastic leukemia,” remarked Dr. Manz. “This disease is characterized by a rapid occurrence and severe illness with fatal outcome when left untreated. However, the good news is that it is curable in many patients upon modern, intensive therapy over several months, sometimes even requiring transplantation of blood forming stem cells (formerly called bone marrow transplantation). Thus far the therapy is going very well with good reduction of the leukemia. Meanwhile, he is even able to spend time between treatments at home with his caring family.”

The U.S. women's team sent this message to Tischhauser in Nov.

The U.S. women’s team sent this message to Tischhauser in Nov.

In Jan’s own words: “It is a very difficult situation to deal with, instead of fighting against bad weather, changeable environment and so on, working with the teams, coaches and organizers, my battle will be an even more difficult one on my road to health. But I have accepted this situation, and I’m ready to fight against this new enemy!”

Release courtesy of FIS

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