Leading By Example
- Val Kilmer recently took to Instagram to congratulate his “fellow documentarians” who made the shortlist for the Oscars, even though his film Val unfortunately did not make the cut.
- The throat cancer survivor is immensely proud of the documentary he produced, which came from thousands of hours of home video footage throughout his life.
- Throat cancer has long been linked to smoking, but there is another cause that many people overlook, especially since it tends to be associated with women’s cancers: HPV, or human papillomavirus, which is sexually-transmitted.
Kilmer recently took to Instagram to congratulate his “fellow documentarians” who made the shortlist for the Oscars, even though his film Val unfortunately did not make the cut.
Read MoreAfter all, the throat cancer survivor has been through far worse. Kilmer is immensely proud of the work that he produced, which came from thousands of hours of home video footage throughout his life.
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Fans, per usual, offered nothing but beautiful words and support for their on and off-screen hero. “One of the best films I watched this year,” one fan wrote. “Heartbreaking, endearing, and uplifting all at once.” “I'm sure all will agree VAL has impacted more people than any award could ever do.”
Though Kilmer will not be getting a 2022 Oscar, he has received plenty of international recognition for his doc. The sheer pride Kilmer has shown with this film already makes him a winner.
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Just before the film was released, Kilmer expressed gratitude for the help he had making his dream a reality. "It is unimaginable that this movie actually could've ever come to light without the partnership of my dear friends, Leo and Ting, and my producing partners," Kilmer expressed at the time. "Tireless hours of editing and endless emotions with each new cut! I couldn't be more proud to share this with the world!"
Leading by example, Kilmer always keeps it positive, no matter what private struggle he is going through. At the start of the pandemic in 2020, Kilmer shared comforting and inspiring words: “Like the late, great, Dr Maya Angelou said – Try to be the rainbow in someone else’s cloud. Sending love to all of you.”
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Kilmer’s Throat Cancer
Kilmer privately battled throat cancer after getting diagnosed in 2014. The Los Angeles native confirmed his diagnosis in 2017. Actor and fellow cancer survivor Michael Douglas had initially mentioned to press that Kilmer wasn't doing too well, but then later apologized, according to a post on Kilmer's Facebook page at the time.
Kilmer spoke with Good Morning America last year. "I feel a lot better than I sound, but I feel wonderful," Kilmer said.
The actor's speech was affected by a tracheostomy, which is a surgical procedure that creates an opening through the neck into the windpipe to allow access to a breathing tube.
Kilmer didn't initially plan to explore conventional treatment, believing his Christian Science faith would heal the tumors, but for the sake of his kids, he agreed to undergo chemotherapy. Kilmer has two children, Mercedes, 29, and Jack, 25, with his ex-wife, English actress Joanne Whalley.
In his 2020 memoir I'm Your Huckleberry, the author wrote, "I have been healed of cancer for over four years now, and there has never been any recurrence. I am so grateful."
Kilmer’s current health status is unclear, but we wish him continued success in all areas of his life. He is a true model of inspiration to the cancer community and in life to his fans and friends.
Living in Gratitude
Only over recent years has Kilmer shared a glimpse of his private life and thoughts, so it’s hard to say what the actor was like prior to battling cancer, but the attitude that he currently projects can truly do wonders for your overall mental and physical health.
Many experts say that patients who tend to do well with cancer are the ones who express gratitude. We can’t take one day for granted here on this Earth. While a cancer diagnosis may be terrifying initially, and a huge blow to your ego after perhaps taking your health for granted, we have to continue to focus on the people and things that we do have in our lives.
Gratitude is all about perspective
When you are fighting cancer, it can be hard to remember the good in life. No matter which treatments you are undergoing, it's important to maintain a support system around you.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, seek help. And don’t be afraid to talk to your physician or a therapist. Your physician can recommend support groups or other professionals that can help make your journey easier.
A Surprising Cause of Throat Cancer
Throat cancer has long been linked to a smoking, but there is another cause that many people overlook, especially since it tends to be associated with women’s cancers: HPV, or human papillomavirus, which is sexually-transmitted.
When people talk about HPV and cancer risk, they tend to be talking about cervical cancer. And while this discussion is incredibly important (nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV), people should be aware that HPV puts them at risk of developing several other cancers as well. And yes, HPV can cause cancer in men. Cancers of the vagina, penis, anus and throat have all been linked to HPV.
"The strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer are the same strains of HPV that cause throat cancer," says Dr. Jessica Geiger, a medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center previously told SurvivorNet. "The average patient with HPV-related throat cancer tends to be males in their 40s or 50s, who were never a smoker or just a very light tobacco user."
Learning about HPV’s relation to cancer
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