In 2014, cancer was diagnosed at Cauwenberghs, which put an end to his plop story. Although he was healed in 2016, he never returned as a gnome lazy. “The disease has given him a blow,” said colleague Walter De Donder, who kept in touch to the end.
Cauwenberghs also suffered from heart problems and once consciously chose to give up his role in home, to be able to fully devote himself to Kabouter Lui.