The upcoming season of the Dutch documentary series *Over Mijn Lijk* (“Over My Dead Body”) offers an intimate portrayal of young adults navigating terminal illness. While providing a platform for vulnerable storytelling, the season is also marked by loss, as two of the featured individuals, Tycho and Nicole, have since passed away. The series, produced by Avrotros and broadcast on NPO1, aims to shed light on end-of-life experiences and the search for meaning in the face of mortality.
The latest season of the documentary series Over Mijn Lijk (roughly translated as “Over My Dead Body”) features the stories of young people facing terminal illnesses, but the premiere will include a somber note as two of the featured individuals, Tycho and Nicole, have passed away since filming concluded. The series, which follows individuals in the final stages of life, offers a poignant look at their perspectives and wishes.
Tycho, 24, was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer four years ago. Following a period of successful treatment and recovery, he received a devastating relapse last year. He shared his experience in a pre-series video, describing a rapid deterioration in his condition. “Then it really became a big mess,” he explained. “They took a biopsy of my hip at the AVL, and it turned out there was cancer again. This time it was really bad. Then I kept getting more and more news. It’s colon cancer, but all over my body.” Tycho succumbed to the disease in April.
Finding Meaning in Small Moments
During filming, Tycho emphasized the importance of appreciating life’s simple pleasures. “All the big things in life actually don’t matter at all,” he said. “It’s about the small things you can do every day. That’s what makes life. That’s what you should enjoy the most.” His message resonates as a reminder of prioritizing personal well-being amidst challenging circumstances.
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A Mother’s Courage
Nicole’s story also concluded before she could view the finished program. The 35-year-old mother of two received a diagnosis of metastatic ovarian cancer three years ago. Despite knowing treatment wouldn’t offer a cure, she opted for life-extending care. Last year, she was informed her time was limited. “From that moment on, they gave me a life expectancy of three months. It’s been six months now,” she shared.
Nicole passed away three months ago, her family announced on Instagram. The post included a photograph and a message of gratitude: “Nicole wants to thank you. Thank you for what you have meant to her. Expressions of support, conversations with fellow sufferers, love and energy. She drew a lot of strength from this, and that always did us as Ohana a lot of good. Because of you, she felt better understood and seen. She was vulnerable, and you received that beautifully and lovingly.”
Headerfoto: Smulders
