When I was 15, a potato-sized tumor was removed from my brainstem. After the operation, I was completely paralyzed on the left side, could no longer walk, and had speech and concentration problems. Years of hard discipline and constant work on myself followed.
This tour is my lifelong dream. With her I want to show people who have a similar fate as me and prove that it is important not to give up. I would like to inspire and encourage them to believe in themselves and to achieve their dreams.
We meet here for our conversation in the Hegau youth work, although you live in Salem-Beuren. Why?
I came here for rehabilitation in 2005, ten days after my surgery. This was an important time in my recovery. After three months in the Hegau youth organization I was able to go to school again. However, the grammar school overwhelmed me, I had to temporarily switch to the secondary school.
The later path to high school and university was a big challenge for me. Today I work as a teacher. After my Panamericana adventure, as a so-called guest motivator, I will keep telling the young people in the Hegau youth organization about it. A story like mine is a great inspiration for the patients and their families, say those responsible here.
During training in Haltnau. | Image: Reiner Jäckle
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Do you have any other goals?
Yes. With my Panamericana bike tour, I would like to bring the topic of brain tumors into the public eye. I want to create more awareness in Germany, but also in the countries along my tour.
They have sponsors and collect donations. For what?
I think that I need about 15,000 euros for my Panamericana tour including bike. I can’t do that with my savings alone. All donations that go beyond the funds I need will then go to the German Brain Tumor Aid. This non-profit association is committed to improving patient care and promoting neuro-oncology.
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Salem-Beuren
Giving up is not an option for him: Darius Braun wants to cycle the Panamericana after a brain tumor and an accident
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They start in a few days. Are you looking forward or are you excited?
Both. The disease has left its mark on me to this day. Although some things are difficult for me, I am really looking forward to the tour. I love challenges. At the moment I keep checking my preparations for these 22,000 kilometers by bike and my logistics. My 4000 euro expedition bike is sponsored by the manufacturer. It is particularly robust.
Nevertheless, I have to be prepared for breakdowns and repairs. I’m still thinking about which spare parts to take with me. The luggage must not be too heavy. Overall, I want to stay under forty kilos. My tent is very light at 1.5 kilograms. But then there is so much more that you need. Up to the film equipment. You should be able to follow my journey on social media.
The extreme cyclist and his fundraising goal
What is your exact travel plan?
The distance from Calgary in Canada to my intended end point at the southern tip of South America is 22,000 kilometers. Despite the different nature of the entire route, some poorly developed roads and enormous differences in altitude of over 4000 meters, I think it is realistic to be able to cover an average of sixty to seventy kilometers per day. I calculate that I will be on the road for fourteen months.
Will you miss anyone during this time?
Yes. I will definitely miss my girlfriend, my family and my friends.
