Affected by Charcot’s disease, Charles Biétry, emblematic sports journalist, delivers a poignant testimony in the show Seven to eight on TF1. At 81, he shared his reflections on his condition, the end of life, and his fight for legislation allowing a worthy death.
A fight against disease
Diagnosed for several years, Charles Bietry continues to resist in the face of this neurodegenerative disease which gradually nibbles its capacities. Deprived of speech, he communicates with a strength of character and a smile that testify to his resilience. Despite the progression of the disease, which now reaches his throat, he refuses to give in to discouragement. He walks another 200 meters a day with crutches and cycling four times a week.
“I am at war with the disease,” he said. “Sport taught me to hate defeat. “True to his Breton roots, he displays a flawless determination:” The Bretons never give up. »»
Hope for a medical advance
Biétry participates in experimental treatment in Switzerland, hoping not only to save time, but also encourage French authorities to adopt more flexible and innovative approaches. “I have nothing to lose, I have no side effects. If this can give hope to other patients, it is worth it. »»
A reflection on the end of life
Defender of aid to die, Charles Biétry denounces the current conditions in France, where access to assisted death remains prohibited. He criticizes the inaction of elected officials and the postponement of a bill which would have allowed patients like him to choose a worthy end. “Dying is already hard, but badly dying is a double penalty,” he deplores, evoking unnecessary suffering inflicted on the sick and their loved ones.
-The journalist does not explain to go to Switzerland, where helping him to die is legal, but he expresses his discomfort in the face of this option: “Imagine my family to travel, come back with the urn in the trunk … c ‘ is unbearable. »»
A call to live fully
Despite pain and uncertainty, Charles Biétry approaches every day with an inspiring philosophy: “We all know that the end is inevitable, but in the meantime, let’s live every moment. »»
With tears in his eyes but a smile on his lips, he concludes: “I am not afraid of death, only to be afraid. But my waves will not do that to me. »»
Photo, TF1 screenshot.
