Kyriakos Stenos: Exploring the World and Living Fully

Meet Kyriakos Stenos, a 27-year-old from Athens who opens up about how cancer changed his view on time, making him value every single moment and laugh whenever he can. He talks about his love for adventure, connecting with others, and how he’s now part of a community that supports young survivors across Europe.

Can you introduce yourself?

Aloha! I’m Kyriakos Stenos, I’m 27 years old and I live in Athens, Greece.

What was your diagnosis?

I was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 13.

When did you first learn about your diagnosis? Can you tell us how and when you found out?

My parents immediately told me that I had leukemia but I didn’t know it was cancer until 2 years later in a random conversation. When I realized it was cancer, I said “OMG I beat cancer?”

What motivated you to become a part of EU-CAYAS-NET, and what does it mean to you?

I wanted to be a part of EU-CAYAS because I wanted to meet and connect with survivors from all around Europe. My goal is to inspire more cancer survivors in Greece to take care of their health, both mental and physical and become a part of a bigger community.

How has cancer changed your perspective on life? What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from your experience?

The most important thing cancer has taught me is to enjoy the time that I spend. My time on Earth is limited and I really don’t want to regret how I spend it. Also, I think humor has saved my life so it’s a big part of my everyday life. I want to smile a lot.

How has your life shifted since your diagnosis?

My life and the way I see things are still changing. I keep the focus more on the way I spend my time. Big or small, things change as long as I meet new survivors and hear their perspective in life.

If you could go back to the day you were diagnosed, what would you say to yourself then?

I would wink and say “It’s gonna be alright, you’ll see”. I would also say this to mom.

How would you describe yourself in three sentences? Give us a quick glimpse of who you are.

I am a human being that wants to enjoy my limited time on this Earth. I want to see as much of Earth as I can and connect with people from all around. There is no better thing than having a beloved friend in every corner of the Earth. Hopefully, I will leave this world a better place.

How do you like to spend your free time?

My favorite thing is going for a small hike or to a place with a view of Athens. Where I live, I have access to a lot of places with a nice view to see the sunset/rise.

Do you have a life motto? What quote or saying inspires you the most?

We are not what life does to us. We are what we do, with what life does to us.

What’s on your bucket list? Is there something you’re dreaming of doing or accomplishing?

I just visited my dream destination, Hawai’i. I’m at this point in my life where I feel capable of doing the things that I dream of.

What keeps you motivated every day?

I try to live my life fully and end up fully tired at my bed. That’s when I know I have actually lived life. I know that time passes and I want to know when I grow up that I lived a full life.

What are you most grateful for? What or who in your life makes you feel thankful?

I have put a lot of effort into myself, to become the person I want to be. I try to challenge myself, to make me go the extra mile and not settle. That helps me grow and it’s the thing I’m grateful for, because it brought me closer to my friends and to actually live the life that I want.

What’s a book, movie, or song you’d recommend to everyone? Tell us why it’s a must!

The Lord of the Rings. You all know why.