It's never easy to overcome the physical and emotional challenges of a total laryngectomy. Many patients speak of how it affected their quality of life; others of a "before" and "after".

As a manufacturer and distributor of medical devices intended to make the daily lives of people who have undergone laryngectomies easier, of course we care a lot about this issue. That's why we at Ceredas try to develop relationships based on listening and closeness with those who put their trust in us.

Yet, in addition to that supportive role, or the capital importance of laryngectomy patients' organizations, the first place our patients find the wherewithal necessary to lead a harmonious life is deep within themselves. In the next few months we'd like to introduce you to some people who, instead of giving up, have found reasons to continue pursuing existing passions or become involved in new ones in sports, culture and sometimes surprising areas.

We could not have chosen anyone more emblematic than an enthusiastic rock-climber to inaugurate this new column. He wanted to share his experience as a laryngectomy patient, voice his feelings and even thumb through and comment on a photo album of his athletic feats during our interview.

Interview with mountain-climber Claude CARPANO, who underwent a laryngectomy in Thyez (Haute Savoie, France) on 19 March 2010, by Ceredas Chairman and CEO Eric BEZICOT.

Thanks for welcoming us, Mr. Carpano. As you know, I wanted to meet you because you are one of those people who have continued your active lifestyle after a laryngectomy. Let's start by talking about your operation. When was it ?
« April 4th, 2007. The operation had become inevitable by then. An excellent surgeon operated on me and everything went very well ».

As I said, we're here to talk about your outdoor activities. Did the laryngectomy affect them ?
« I also continue to enjoy skiing in winter, in the Savoy stations (France) and even in United States, Colorado. After all, at the age of 76, those activities have been part of my life for many years. I'd also like to add that the laryngectomy operation was a step; undoubtedly a difficult one, but you have to look on the bright side and not dwell on the negative aspects. Instead of giving up, you must very quickly grab hold of yourself, learn to speak again and get back into the swing of things. I'm sure practicing a sport like rock-climbing, where you have to constantly give your all, did me a lot of good ».

Let's put sports aside for a moment and talk about Cyranose®. If you had to sum up your impressions about it, what would you say ?
« Well, it's easy to use, it just takes some getting used to. A single little tank, cleaning the grate is a bit tedious, but it's all right  ».

In a word, what would you like to add ?
« That the folks at Ceredas really make good equipment and answer all your questions right away. For the moment, everything's going well ! ».

Thanks for all the compliments. I'd like to ask one last question. What are you up to with your outdoor activities ?
« I'll be rock-climbing again as soon as July comes around ».