HGTV personality Charlie Kawas announced he is undergoing treatment for testicular cancer, a diagnosis he received while filming his upcoming series, "Botched Homes."
Kawas, 44, revealed his health battle in an interview with People, explaining that severe back pain led to his diagnosis in late March. He described the news as a surprise and "probably the worst possible time it could have happened," as he was actively involved in filming the show and managing five renovation projects.
Despite the diagnosis, Kawas decided to continue filming and undergo chemotherapy simultaneously. He stated his desire to be an inspiration, demonstrating that a serious health diagnosis does not necessitate halting all work and life pursuits. "I want to show people that you can keep going. I’ll let the world know, don’t give up," he said.
The co-host of "Botched Homes," a series where he assists South Florida homeowners with disastrous renovations, admitted that undergoing treatment while working was challenging. He experienced periods of low energy and relied more on delegation to manage the renovation projects. "There were times it was difficult. I was doing video calls from the [treatment] chair, trying to solve problems," he recalled.
Kawas has completed his treatment and is awaiting a final scan to confirm if he is cancer-free. He reflected on the experience as a "wakeup call" that has prompted him to appreciate each day and his family more, including his two daughters, Charli, 14, and Cami, 12, and his wife, Pierra Kawas, 49. While still experiencing some lingering effects from chemotherapy, he expressed eagerness to return to his construction work.
"Botched Homes" is scheduled to premiere on September 2.