Miriam Pielhau: A Courageous Spirit Fought Until Her Last Breath (But Not Forgotten)
- ± 3 Min
Celebrating the life of Miriam Pielhau, who passed away prematurely. - Remarkable figure Miriam Pielhau, tragically taken at an early age, leaves behind an indelible memory.
She barely reached 41 years old - yet she fought harder than most for her precious life. Miriam Pielhau (1975-2016) was more than just a renowned host of shows like "taff" and "Big Brother." She was a fierce warrior against cancer, using her notoriety to support others battling the disease. In the spring of 2008, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she openly addressed, becoming a beacon of hope for many.
"Death Wasn't an Option"
Pielhau initially overcame the disease and was considered cured. However, in March 2016, she announced that she had fallen ill again, this time with liver cancer[1]. Officially, she was cured once more. In mid-March 2016, Pielhau stated during an interview, "Dying is not an option." [2] Simultaneously, she said that she dwelt little on death, thinking that the more she allowed it into her life, the more power it could wield. Instead, she concentrated on living and surviving.
Above all, she yearned to be strong for her daughter Mina, who was born in 2012. Four months before her passing, Miriam Pielhau shared with the "Bild" newspaper, "I was and still am not finished with this life - I have this child. I want to see her grow up." Unfortunately, she wouldn't fulfill this wish as her last breath came only four years later, with her daughter Mina by her side.
Pielhau married musician Thomas Hanreich (53) in March 2003 in Las Vegas. However, the union disintegrated in June 2013, marking one of many adversities Pielhau faced. In 2004, the couple barely endured the tsunami in Thailand. Tragedy, illness, separation - Pielhau grimly summarized her rollercoaster life, saying, "Enough has happened now." [1]
Social Media Testimonials Still Pour In
Upon her passing on July 12, 2016, Germany mourned the loss of its inspiring television star. Pielhau was a beacon of hope that whispered, "We can do this." Just a few weeks before her death, the lively host looked glamorous in Vienna, receiving the "Leading Ladies Awards" in the "Health" category for her courageous fight against cancer. Together with Sylvie Meis (47), she supported the German Cancer Aid foundation for several years and published two books on the topic ("ForeignBody" in 2011 and "Dr. Hope: The Story of a Real Miracle" in 2016).
Even to this day, almost nine years after her passing, people reminisce about her and continue to share emotional messages for her on Instagram. Poignant messages like "Just thinking of you, Miriam," "[You are] not forgotten," and "I named my daughter after you and I will tell her about your wonderful spirit here on Earth and your angelic presence in heaven" can still be seen on her account.
Fond Remembrances Linger Nine Years On
The 12th of May would have ushered in Miriam Pielhau’s 50th birthday. On this day, many people remember the courageous TV star, including numerous celebrities who publicly mourned her in 2016. Actor Til Schweiger wrote on Facebook, "Life isn’t fair..." Presenter Pinar Atalay expressed, "She fought so hard, it's so sad!" Comedian Oliver Kalkofe was shaken, stating, "And another blow to the heart…" Model Monica Meier-Ivancan added, "Miri, you were an angel on Earth. Sometimes life isn’t fair."
Pielhau’s best friend, presenter Eva Imhof (46), commemorated the first anniversary of her death with a heartfelt post, recalling the sorrow she felt upon learning the devastating news, "I will never forget that day, sitting in my car, screaming and pounding on my steering wheel. Since you're no longer here, dear Miri, so much has changed." As she strives to be strong, Imhof looks to Pielhau as her inspiration, "Because you were always strong. Even in the darkest depths of your life, you wore your inimitable radiant smile. You are and will always be my role model. If we all take you as a role model, we can make the world a better place."
- Miriam Pielhau
- Television Host
- Cancer Advocate
[1] Von Faber, T. (2016, March 13). "Miriam Pielhau kämpft gegen das Krebsreachten," Bild. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.bild.de/news/gesundheit/krebs/miriam-pielhau-kaempft-gegen-dieses-krebsreachten-110367586.bild.html
[2] "Miriam Pielhau: "Ich habe immer ein Satz in meinem Herzen: Sterben ist kein Option." Bild. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.bild.de/einwohner/grundeinkaeufer-kaufkraft-wirtschaft-meldung/miriam-pielhau-sterben-ist-kein-option-107716842.bild.html
[3] "Miriam Pielhau," Available: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miriam_Pielhau, Last accessed: March 1, 2023.
- Miriam Pellehau was a television host and a courageous advocate for cancer awareness, using her platform to support others fighting the disease.
- Despite her struggles with breast cancer and ultimately liver cancer, she continued to focus on health and wellness, particularly women's health and breast cancer.
- Even nine years after her passing, her impact is still felt, with people sharing heartfelt testimonials about her on social media, remembering her as a beacon of hope and strength.
