Tiago Martins Pitthan, known for organizing his own farewell celebration so as not to “miss” his wake, passed away at the age of 49 in the city of Campo Grande.
Diagnosed with late-stage stomach cancer, he reversed the conventional logic of loss, hosting a festive event with friends, family and even strangers to honor his life journey while still being able to actively participate.
On Sunday (5), directly from the hospital, Tiago shared a final video on his social networks, transmitting a final and emotional message.
“I’m fine, at peace, happy. Everything was worth it. I had a good life and that’s it. I won. A kiss from the Good Guy”, he declared in his recording.
The statement summarizes Tiago’s choice to face reality after receiving the news that the disease had no cure. From the beginning of his diagnosis, he expressed the desire not to control the death itself, but rather to make the most of the time he had left. This unique perspective resonates with growing movements that propose a more positive and active view of the end of life, transforming resignation into an opportunity for legacy and personal celebration.
And that’s exactly what he did. On May 30, Tiago was present at his own celebration.
The event, held in the old warehouse of a brewery in Campo Grande, featured band performances, meetings with friends, conversation circles and a program carefully prepared by him. There was bossa nova, samba, rock, a flash mob and a watercolorist documenting the party in real time, whose painting Tiago insisted on keeping.
The celebration also included a guitar moment. Even without any previous experience with instruments, Tiago began to learn after the disease advanced, motivated by an old desire to go on stage at least once, which he managed to accomplish.
Tiago’s attitude towards his diagnosis was never one of denial. He was fully aware of the incurability of the disease, but insisted on defining what he could still experience within the time available.
The cancer was identified in March 2024, after months of worrying symptoms. During a trip to Bonito (MS) on the previous New Year’s Eve, he noticed difficulties eating, feeling his stomach quickly full and vomiting.
Endoscopy revealed gastric adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent form of stomach cancer. Initially, surgery was planned to remove the organ, but during the procedure, doctors identified metastases in the intestine, peritoneum and signs of lung involvement.
The possibility of a curative surgical intervention was then ruled out.
“I discovered that there was no cure. That I would have to live with the disease and, probably, die as a result of it”, reported Tiago.
Even though he was undergoing treatment, Tiago maintained his work and exercise routine for as long as possible. As the disease progressed, he faced weight loss, weakness and limitations resulting from both the cancer and the effects of chemotherapy.
However, his plans did not cease. Shortly before the party, he returned to Bonito, where he rappelled 70 meters into the Abismo Anhumas and, the next day, tried a parachute jump.
“There is no cancer up there. There is just me and that huge world”, he reflected.
When planning his farewell, Tiago also considered his next steps.
He organized passwords, determined the destination of his personal assets and talked to people close to him. The only rite he delegated to others was the traditional wake.
His mother, who accompanied him throughout his treatment, was by his side in the last few months. Tiago had initially returned to Campo Grande to take care of his parents, but the situation was reversed, and she started to take care of him.
As the disease worsened, he received palliative chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The main objective was no longer to eradicate the tumor, but to control its progression and maintain quality of life.
Tiago claimed not to fear death. His fear resided in the journey to get there: the pain, the immobility and the inability to accomplish the things he still wanted.
For this reason, as long as he had strength, he lived intensely. He learned to play the guitar, introduced himself, met friends, jumped with a parachute, organized a party. And, most importantly, he was present at his own farewell.
