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2026-08-31 09:49 UTC → 2026-09-05 13:37 UTC ·
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German‑Austrian German-Austrian TV chef Johann Lafer continues to battle an indolent, incurable non‑Hodgkin non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed approximately three years ago. By early June 2026, his chemotherapy had halved the size of the affected lymph nodes, and despite a 25 kg weight loss and hair loss, he remained unusually active. The public disclosure of his condition drew widespread attention and solidarity from German‑language German-language media figures. Lafer repeatedly affirmed his long‑standing long-standing wish to reach Mount Everest’s base camp, describing the goal as a way to “not postpone anything” despite the disease’s spread. Throughout July, he detailed the harsh side effects of treatment, including the loss of taste and difficulty eating. By mid-August 2026, Lafer reported significant progress after completing six cycles of chemotherapy. Appearing at the Media Night during the international equestrian competitions in Aachen, the 68-year-old chef stated, “I can say that I am feeling significantly better,” and noted that he is “on a very good path.” He added, “It is going upwards!” While acknowledging that his cancer is not curable and involves metastases, he emphasized that the primary goal is to contain the disease. His sense of taste has returned, and he has resumed professional activities, including cooking for guests at the Aachen event. Despite the physical toll of treatment, Lafer remains cautiously optimistic, planning restorative holidays with his family and continuing to pursue his Everest base‑camp trek when his health permits. In late August 2026, Lafer made a televised comeback during the filming of ‘Grill den Henssler Sommer-Special’ in Magdeburg. During the recording at Elbauenpark, Magdeburg, where he received a standing ovation from ovation. During the studio audience. recording, he expressed gratitude for being able to participate in normal life again, stating, “I am on the way to recovery and am very grateful that people are standing behind me.” By early September 2026, Lafer was scheduled to return to the ZDF program ‘Der Quiz-Champion’ as a nutrition expert for a charity special aimed at raising up to 100,000 euros for the Deutsche Krebshilfe.