Check out the interview with Mrs. Issels, widow of Dr. Issels, from the clinic where Bob Marley was treated!

Bob Marley Magazine: Bob was at your clinic from November 1980 to May 1981. What kind of patient was he?
Mrs. Issels: I saw him as a very religious man, very charismatic, with a positive attitude toward life and toward the treatment he underwent against his illness.

BMM: Did your husband talk to you about Bob Marley's illness?
SI: I am the widow of Dr. Issels, who was his doctor at the time. You must understand that I can only give you information about Bob Marley that does not violate his family's privacy. However, the media made an extensive report of his stay at our clinic.

BMM: Did he become depressed because of the treatment or did he react with optimism?
SI: In the first months of treatment he improved considerably and was even able to play soccer for fun. This helped him be optimistic and he also saw how other seriously ill patients were improving. He took long walks through our beautiful mountains and seemed to enjoy himself, despite the illness and the treatment. His personal doctor was also present and Bob Marley stayed with his family and friends the entire time. Everyone adored him. The inhabitants of our city were proud to have Bob Marley with us.

BMM: Do you remember what kind of treatment was administered to him?
SI: Mr. Issels knew the extreme importance of the mind and soul in the healing process of diseases. He tried to teach his patients to forgive - the first step in healing. Cleansing the mind and body, to give a chance to their internal forces. Doctors and medicines are only tools to help the body help itself. These convictions were told by him to his patients and he did the same with Bob Marley. We were very sad that we could not help him any longer.

BMM: What did Bob Marley usually drink and eat? Did he follow a particular diet?
SI: Dr. Issels prescribed a special diet to detoxify the body and, as far as I know, Bob Marley tried to follow it.

BMM: Did you know what kind of relationship your husband and Bob Marley had? Was it exclusively medical or was there some kind of friendship?
SI: It is difficult to answer your question, because I did not know how Bob Marley felt deep down. I know there was a relationship of respect and trust between the two. Dr. Issels greatly respected Bob Marley as a person, for his convictions, for what
he believed in life, for his purposes in life, for what he fought for. They had many long conversations not only about medical issues, but about life, religion, his music and his art.

BMM: Did you meet him personally at the clinic?
SI: I gladly remember the period when I met Bob Marley, his wife Rita, his family and friends, during his stay at our clinic. I want to help honor Bob Marley, this very special human being.

BMM: Thank you very much for your kind help. God bless you.