Israeli Actress Gala Kogan Opens Up About Her Battle with Brain Cancer

Israeli actress Gala Kogan revealed the harrowing experience of her brain cancer diagnosis and treatment, which she battled five years ago. The illness was discovered unexpectedly during a walk by the sea when she experienced visual disturbances and a seizure. At the hospital, she was diagnosed with a malignant astrocytoma, requiring emergency surgery within a day and a half. Kogan described the emotional turmoil and fear she faced, including confronting the possibility of death and preparing her family for the worst.

Instead of succumbing to despair, Kogan turned to faith, entrusting her fate to God and praying for strength to endure the ordeal. The complex surgery involved removing most of the right lobe of her brain, leaving her with a significant but invisible disability. Post-surgery, she struggled with severe memory loss, disorientation, and physical dependence, requiring her husband’s full support for daily care.

The aggressive treatment also caused major side effects, including a 25-kilogram weight gain from steroids and extensive hair loss due to radiation. Kogan shared the emotional impact of her altered appearance and the difficulty accepting her new reality. Despite ongoing chronic pain and challenges, she credits the experience with deepening her inner strength and appreciation for life. Her husband, Gal, remained a steadfast support throughout, helping their family navigate the crisis.

Kogan’s story was shared on the podcast "Ash!" hosted by Dorin Atias, where she described her journey as nothing short of a miracle and emphasized the power of faith and resilience in facing life-threatening illness.