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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Rudaw Media Network reporter and news anchor Diler Teli says he is determined to return to television after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Diler, 33, has been one of the faces of Rudaw daytime programming since day one, when the channel first broadcasts on May 29, 2013.
Since his diagnosis in July 2019, Diler has been keeping friends and well-wishers updated about his condition on social media, reassuring them “I am strong”.
Speaking to Rudaw colleagues on Sunday, Diler described the day he realized something was wrong.
While presenting his breakfast show, Nuroj (new day), on July 2, 2019, Diler recalls feeling a pain in his kidney, but pretended he was fine.
After the program had aired, Diler returned to the makeup room, telling colleagues he didn’t feel well. He was taken to hospital and, two days later, underwent surgery in Duhok.
Doctors there diagnosed him with a rare form of cancer called Ewing sarcoma, which affects the bones and soft tissues, causing pain and swelling. It can also spread quickly to other organs.
“My cancer is of a very rare type in the world,” Teli told Rudaw. “It grew on my kidney. What is good about it is that I realized very quickly.”
If cancers are caught early, chances of survival and recovery improve dramatically.
Now the tumor has been removed, Diler is undergoing chemotherapy to shrink any remaining cancerous cells.
“When I first heard that I was diagnosed with cancer, I took it easy. I am strong. And now with the help of my family, I am feeling much stronger. I am stronger than this illness,” he said.
He is grateful for the outpouring of support he has received from friends and across social media.
“I am stronger with the support of my friends and colleagues at Rudaw. Now that I see the nation of Kurdistan is with me, I am feeling stronger. I am grateful to all of them.”
“I promise everyone I will reappear on Rudaw screens as soon as possible,” he added.
Dr. Aras Bradosty, Rudaw’s health correspondent, said: “Cancer in general is a cowardly, silent, in the meantime dangerous, ugly, and disguising disorder. The type Mr. Diler is diagnosed with is very rare.”
“But, the good news is this cancer does not know who it is messing with – Diler is a powerful man. We all know him. Diler will overcome it with his energy and determination. His morale will help him overcome it.”
Diler has long championed Rudaw’s arts and culture coverage, attending world cinema’s top events including Cannes and the Berlin International Film Festival.
He insists he will cover the Sulaimani Film Festival when it begins on Tuesday.
“I am going to be there on the red carpet!” Diler said.
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