When renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, he decided to write a memoir about his life and battle with the disease. This memoir, When Breath Becomes Air, offers readers a raw, intimate glimpse into the world of someone facing their own mortality. This blog post will not only delve into the story behind When Breath Becomes Air but also discuss the incredibly moving eulogy delivered by his wife, Dr. Lucy Kalanithi, at his funeral. This eulogy is a testament to love, loss, and the power of shared experiences.
Are you struggling to write a meaningful eulogy during this difficult time? Our professional eulogy writing service can help you honour your loved one in less than 48 hours, with no additional stress. We help you preserve the legacy of a cherished life, in your time of grief. Find out more →
Table of Contents
Life and Career of Dr. Paul Kalanithi
Dr. Paul Kalanithi was an incredibly gifted neurosurgeon and neuroscientist at Stanford University. He was passionate about understanding the workings of the human brain and dedicated his life to helping others through his talents as a surgeon. Unfortunately, at the age of 35, Kalanithi's life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer.
When Breath Becomes Air: A Memoir
During his battle with cancer, Dr. Kalanithi began working on a memoir – When Breath Becomes Air – to document his experiences and thoughts on life and death. Faced with his own mortality, he explored the meaning of life and what it means to live a life well-lived. The memoir was published posthumously in January 2016.
Paul's Impact on Others
Through his work as a neurosurgeon and insights documented in his memoir, Dr. Kalanithi has left a lasting impact on the world. He inspired thousands of individuals around the globe through his honest account of his experiences. Furthermore, his work in the field of medicine has left a legacy in the form of his patients, colleagues and medical students he mentored.
Dr. Lucy Kalanithi's Eulogy for Her Husband
Need a Eulogy?
Get a Personalized Professional Eulogy Written For Your Loved One
At his funeral, Paul's wife, Dr. Lucy Kalanithi, was tasked with delivering his eulogy. Lucy described Paul's innate curiosity and love for learning, which drove him to become a neurosurgeon. She spoke of his grace and composure, even as he faced the greatest challenge of his life – his cancer diagnosis. Lucy also discussed the profound impact her husband had on others, both professionally and personally.
When Breat Becomes Air Eulogy By Wife Example:
“One day, you wake up and find that the life you’ve been living up until now isn’t the life you want to live anymore. It’s the life that’s been written for you by the expectations of others. Paul lived his life with a relentless pursuit of meaning, and his diagnosis only deepened that pursuit. It’s because of him that I’ve come to realize that living isn’t only a matter of doing the things you’re passionate about, but the way in which you refuse to let those passions be extinguished even in the most trying of times.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "When Breath Becomes Air"?
"When Breath Becomes Air" is a memoir written by Paul Kalanithi, recounting his life and battle with stage IV metastatic lung cancer. It delves into his journey from a medical student to a neurosurgeon and finally, a patient confronting his own mortality.
Who was Paul Kalanithi?
Paul Kalanithi was an American neurosurgeon and writer. He was also a resident in neurological surgery and a postdoctoral fellow in neuroscience at Stanford University.
When did Paul Kalanithi pass away?
Paul Kalanithi passed away on March 9, 2015, at the age of 37.
Who gave the eulogy for Paul Kalanithi?
The eulogy for Paul Kalanithi was delivered by his wife, Lucy Kalanithi. She eloquently spoke about his life, teachings, and the legacy he left behind.
What is the significance of the eulogy titled "When Breath Becomes Air"?
The eulogy signifies the beautiful and poignant reflections by Lucy Kalanithi on her husband's life and their shared experiences as they navigated his terminal illness.
Can you tell us more about Lucy Kalanithi?
Lucy Kalanithi is a physician and the widow of the late Paul Kalanithi. She has played a significant role in preserving and promoting her husband's legacy and perspective on life and death through various platforms, including the posthumous publication of his memoir.
What themes are explored in "When Breath Becomes Air"?
The memoir explores profound themes such as the meaning of life, the approach towards death, the challenge of facing a terminal illness, and the intricacies of the patient-doctor relationship.
How has "When Breath Becomes Air" impacted readers?
"When Breath Becomes Air" has deeply impacted readers with its honest and moving portrayal of a life cut short and the enduring insights into what makes life worth living.
What insights about life and death does Paul Kalanithi offer in his book?
Paul Kalanithi offers insights into the duality of being a doctor and a patient, the pursuit of meaning in the face of impending death, and the importance of forging connections with others and cherishing the time we have.
How did Paul Kalanithi's career as a neurosurgeon influence his writing?
As a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi had a profound understanding of life, death, and the human brain, which deeply influenced his reflective and insightful writing style and the way he approached his illness.
How did Paul and Lucy Kalanithi face his diagnosis together?
Paul and Lucy Kalanithi faced his diagnosis with strength and grace, focusing on maintaining quality of life, continuing his writing, and openly sharing their journey with others to help other individuals and families facing similar situations.
Is "When Breath Becomes Air" Lucy Kalanithi's personal narrative?
No, "When Breath Becomes Air" is primarily Paul Kalanithi's memoir. However, Lucy Kalanithi contributed to the book by writing the epilogue, providing readers with a poignant conclusion from her perspective after Paul's passing.
Did Lucy Kalanithi have a particular message she wanted to convey in her eulogy?
In her eulogy for Paul, Lucy Kalanithi conveyed messages of love, hope, and resilience. She shared the importance of living a meaningful life and expressed gratitude for the time they had together.
What has been the public's reaction to "When Breath Becomes Air"?
The public has reacted to "When Breath Becomes Air" with overwhelming acclaim, finding it to be a profoundly moving and life-affirming account. It has been a bestseller and a source of comfort and inspiration to many.
What can medical professionals learn from "When Breath Becomes Air"?
Medical professionals can learn about the human side of medicine from "When Breath Becomes Air." It encourages empathy, communication, and a deeper understanding of the patient experience.
How can "When Breath Becomes Air" be helpful to patients dealing with terminal illnesses?
Patients dealing with terminal illnesses may find solace and companionship in the pages of "When Breath Becomes Air." The book provides an honest account of the emotional and existential challenges faced when confronting mortality.
What role did literature play in Paul Kalanithi's understanding of life and death?
Literature played a significant role in Paul Kalanithi's life, providing him with various perspectives on the human condition. It helped him articulate his experiences and thoughts on life and death both as a doctor and as a patient.
How can readers apply the lessons from "When Breath Becomes Air" to their own lives?
Readers can apply lessons from "When Breath Becomes Air" by embracing the present, being mindful of life's finitude, and finding meaning in their personal and professional lives akin to how Paul Kalanithi sought to under the shadow of his illness.
What legacy does Paul Kalanithi leave behind?
Paul Kalanithi leaves behind a legacy of courage, eloquence, and an indelible contribution to our understanding of life, death, and the beauty found in between. His words continue to inspire and resonate with people across the world.
Are there any resources available for readers interested in the themes discussed in "When Breath Becomes Air"?
For readers interested in exploring the themes discussed in "When Breath Becomes Air," many resources exist, including books on mortality by other authors, support groups for those touched by cancer, and lectures by Lucy Kalanithi and professionals in palliative care.
Where can people find more information about Paul and Lucy Kalanithi?
People can find more information about Paul and Lucy Kalanithi on various online platforms, including articles, interviews, the website dedicated to "When Breath Becomes Air," and social media profiles where Lucy often shares updates about their continued impact and ongoing conversation about life and death.
Dr. Lucy Kalanithi's eulogy for her husband, Dr. Paul Kalanithi, is a poignant and powerful ode to a man who refused to be defined by his illness and continued to make a difference in the world. By sharing her own personal reflections and anecdotes, Lucy Kalanithi allowed us a glimpse into the life of her husband – whose memoir, When Breath Becomes Air, continues to touch the lives of readers. We hope that you have found this exploration of Dr. Paul Kalanithi's life, work, and his wife's heartfelt eulogy both moving and inspirational. Please share this article with others, read more about Dr. Kalanithi’s life in his memoir, and explore other important topics on Eulogy Assistant.