I graduated as a tourist and Arctic guide in 2020. Before that I studied to become a teacher, but I stopped to go to Denmark and play sports. We are a very active family. It’s almost like we grew up in the sports centre.
When I was studying to become a teacher, I suddenly felt very differently in my body. I was tired all the time, and when I was going to sleep, I couldn’t feel my fingers or legs. So I went to the doctor who said nothing was wrong. But when I went to the doctor again a year later, it turned out that I had a brain tumor. So I was sent to Denmark to have it surgically removed. I was in Denmark undergoing treatment for approx. half a year. It was really difficult. A very very hard time in my life.
It was the most difficult period of my life. The doctor said I had four weeks to live. I couldn’t talk, and I couldn’t walk. I wasn’t allowed to exercise, and I couldn’t eat. It felt like I was a child again. I had to learn everything all over again. Learning to eat, learning to walk, learning to talk.
It was very hard. I was close to dying. But now I’m here. I have a job and I am doing well. I have moved back to Ilulissat and live with my Aanaa (grandmother). I am really enjoying myself here in Ilulissat after I moved from Nuuk. It just feels very peaceful here.
![Belinda Lange](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.nukigacommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Belinda-Lange.jpg?media=1693859593)
And it is important for me to be able to do sports. This is what makes me strong and makes me want to develop as a person. I think it’s great that you travel a lot with the sports teams, meet a lot of people and make a lot of friends. It just gives you more energy.
I just started kayaking as well. I did it for the first time in Qaqortoq during my training as a guide. Shortly afterwards I was asked if I would like to take part in a competition and I came in second! It is very peaceful in a kayak with the sound of the waves and being so close to the sea. One feels a great respect for our ancestors. They have been very strong and brave. I would like to have a kayak myself so I can improve.