Schumacher: A year later, the fight continues

A year ago German racing champion Michael Schumacher made his annual skiing trip with family and friends. No one knew that their lives would change so drastically. And even now, a year later, it hasn't become easier. Not for Michael's relatives and for us, his fans.

In the last 365 days there hasn't been even one day that Schumi didn't cross my mind for some reason. And it's difficult. It's something I just can't let go because Schumacher means too much for me. The fear is the worst part, the constant fear that he won't win the battle for his life. We have to be realistic and accept that chance, even a year later. Michael might be at home but the word "home" is actually way too positive. Home is a private hospital with a medical staff of over ten specialists who monitor him around the clock. Home in this case is still a hospital, just on his own estate.

It's the truth, as far as we know, and we have to accept that the road is still very long. But that doesn't mean we should just give up because neither will Schumacher. "If there is one man who can win this battle, it's Michael", is a thought many fans and family hang on to. Including myself. Schumi is a fighter, he has always been and he will always be. Failure was never an option and it still isn't. Der Kaiser is physically and mentally extremely strong and with the constant support of his family he can win this thing. I still believe in that very much. It won't be easy and will still take years probably but he will win. Like in the good old days.

Michael Schumacher's fight and later in 2014 also the accident of Jules Bianchi has taught me a valuable lesson. Multiple lessons even. The first is that even Formula One champions, who race on the edge their whole life, who take risk no ordinary person would ever consider, even they are human. It would be nice to think that they are not and that they can survive whatever may happen to them. That if they crash, they just jump out unharmed and already impatiently wait for the next race. In most cases it goes like that but when it doesn't, it goes terribly wrong. As with Jules.

For that reason my respect for every single racer has enlarged a lot. What they are doing and the risk that they are taking time and time again is incredible. Another thing I learnt in 2014 is that you never know what's around the corner and waiting around is not the solution. We should get most out of our lives, friendships, passions and professions because you never know what tomorrow might bring. Take a chance, follow your heart and do what you want to do, say what you think even when you don't know what response you will get. Because I know it would be one of the first thing Michael and Jules would say if they wake up, "I'm sorry I haven't told you this before". I hope they can still say everything they wanted to say to their family and friends. But maybe they'll never get the chance. We have. And with that message I wish you all the very best for 2015 and may this be the year we get some better news from Michael and Jules. Keep fighting guys and know that we support you through this horrible fight.

Catya Leroux