Lawyer and tourism professional Tiago Pitthan, 46, held a living wake on Saturday (30) in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, in southwestern Brazil, organized by himself. Diagnosed with incurable stomach cancer between late 2023 and early 2024, Tiago chose to celebrate life with samba circles, rock bands, a DJ, beer, and dancing in a city street.The event, planned for about one hundred people, drew at least 400 after spreading on social media, with expanded infrastructure, a food court, and a kids’ area made possible by friends and volunteers. Tiago moved among guests, embraced friends, and went on stage to give a speech in which he said: "When I die, I want people to understand that I beat cancer."
His family, initially reluctant, joined the gathering. His mother, 78-year-old Mabel Pitthan, said she felt sadness but also admiration for her son. His twin brother Pablo, who lives in Portugal, traveled to Brazil specifically for the celebration.
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