Swedish hunk writes emotional cancer blog
Fabian Bolin, 28, who has appeared in several UK television shows and US movies, is melting hearts with a now viral blog about his cancer treatment.
The actor and model started the blog on July 1st, just days after being diagnosed with leukaemia - a blood cancer which develops in bone marrow.
"There is a risk that I will not survive," he posted in both English and Swedish.
"I feel so utterly sad and confused right now. I feel like it’s unfair that I should have to go through this hell of a treatment, after fighting so hard to reach this stage in life and be on the cusp of fulfilling my acting dreams. But, I will not give up," read one of his earliest entries.
The blog quickly went viral after being picked up by several Swedish media and by Wednesday morning Bolin's first Facebook post linking to the site had been shared almost 3000 times and got more than 26,000 likes.
The star is best known for his role as Philipp in Swedish film Snabba Cash in 2010 (released internationally as Easy Money) and Snabba Cash II (2012), his first major parts after quitting a previous career in banking.
He has spent the past few years living in London where he's played small roles in British reality TV show Made in Chelsea and the recently released UK web sci-fi show Kosmos.
A photo from Bolin's blog. Photo: Private
Previously planning to spend time in Los Angeles this summer, Bolin is now set to remain in Sweden throughout his treatment, but says he hopes his blog will inspire and help other cancer sufferers around the world.
“I’ve always believed that a united group is stronger than standing alone and hopefully I can inspire some of you to really value and appreciate your life,” he wrote in another blog entry.
Reacting to the huge social media stir surrounding his blog, he told The Local: "the response is the best and most powerful experience ever”.
“I’m in shock but in a good way. It wouldn’t have been possible for all these people to come together without social media. It’s amazing to see how many wonderful people there are out there.”
Thanks to his contacts in the film and television industry, Bolin said he had already been approached by production companies who are keen on turning his story into a documentary and added that he had received support from many fellow actors, including other Swedes he worked with on Snabba Cash.
“I decided to let people follow me on my journey from beginning to end and this enormous response makes me feel so empowered,” he said.
After his life turned upside down due to his diagnosis a week ago, Fabian said that Tuesday was the first day that didn’t feel like complete chaos.
He told The Local it felt good to have a break from doctors running in and out of his room at the hospital and having dozens of needles attached to his body.
“Being diagnosed with this is hell, but at the same time I realise how helpful people are and I’m so happy for it,” he said.
Interview by Elin Jönsson
Update: In 2019, Fabian Bolin founded the app WarOnCancer together with Sebastian Hermelin to improve mental health for everyone affected by cancer.
Comments
See Also
The actor and model started the blog on July 1st, just days after being diagnosed with leukaemia - a blood cancer which develops in bone marrow.
"There is a risk that I will not survive," he posted in both English and Swedish.
"I feel so utterly sad and confused right now. I feel like it’s unfair that I should have to go through this hell of a treatment, after fighting so hard to reach this stage in life and be on the cusp of fulfilling my acting dreams. But, I will not give up," read one of his earliest entries.
The blog quickly went viral after being picked up by several Swedish media and by Wednesday morning Bolin's first Facebook post linking to the site had been shared almost 3000 times and got more than 26,000 likes.
The star is best known for his role as Philipp in Swedish film Snabba Cash in 2010 (released internationally as Easy Money) and Snabba Cash II (2012), his first major parts after quitting a previous career in banking.
He has spent the past few years living in London where he's played small roles in British reality TV show Made in Chelsea and the recently released UK web sci-fi show Kosmos.
A photo from Bolin's blog. Photo: Private
Previously planning to spend time in Los Angeles this summer, Bolin is now set to remain in Sweden throughout his treatment, but says he hopes his blog will inspire and help other cancer sufferers around the world.
“I’ve always believed that a united group is stronger than standing alone and hopefully I can inspire some of you to really value and appreciate your life,” he wrote in another blog entry.
Reacting to the huge social media stir surrounding his blog, he told The Local: "the response is the best and most powerful experience ever”.
“I’m in shock but in a good way. It wouldn’t have been possible for all these people to come together without social media. It’s amazing to see how many wonderful people there are out there.”
Thanks to his contacts in the film and television industry, Bolin said he had already been approached by production companies who are keen on turning his story into a documentary and added that he had received support from many fellow actors, including other Swedes he worked with on Snabba Cash.
“I decided to let people follow me on my journey from beginning to end and this enormous response makes me feel so empowered,” he said.
After his life turned upside down due to his diagnosis a week ago, Fabian said that Tuesday was the first day that didn’t feel like complete chaos.
He told The Local it felt good to have a break from doctors running in and out of his room at the hospital and having dozens of needles attached to his body.
“Being diagnosed with this is hell, but at the same time I realise how helpful people are and I’m so happy for it,” he said.
Interview by Elin Jönsson
Update: In 2019, Fabian Bolin founded the app WarOnCancer together with Sebastian Hermelin to improve mental health for everyone affected by cancer.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.