Cancer survivors triumph over ‘trail’
KOTA KINABALU: Trials do not last forever. For three cancer survivors and 17 volunteers, ascending to the summit of Low’s peak at the sunrise of August 26 was truly an elevating experience.
Amid the irregular steep slopes, cold breeze and thinning air at higher altitude, the climbers undauntingly topped the 4,095 meters Mount Kinabalu.
Leading to the climb, the team coming from all parts of Malaysia had been training tirelessly at their respective locations, including four AirAsia Allstars who hail from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
The group was made of cancer survivors, friends and family members that suffered from cancer and comes from different backgrounds, states and countries, gathered together for one cause – cancer.
It is truly a meaning to life especially with the Merdeka month.
Reaching the summit top, the feeling was euphoric especially to all, but to both cancer survivors Kogilavani Muniappen a cervical cancer survivor from Malacca, Jennifer Teh Yin Li, an ovarian cancer survivor from Johor, the ascend at high altitude was discouraging, but their subconscious mind told them, “At the beginning, fighting cancer was all new to us, yet we triumphed. Now, we will triumph over this trail too”, and they did it!
For 49-year-old colorectal cancer survivor Abdul Muhin Sahibil from Pulau Banggi, Sabah, he was challenged with muscle pull at kilometre three on the first day of the climb. He experienced severe pain in his left thigh and calf. He rested at Laban Rata resthouse located at kilometre 6 at 3,272 meters above sea level.
Abdul Muhin was accompanied by another volunteer climber on summit ascend day when the others marched on to the summit at 2am.
“Mind over matter”, was Kogilavani’s mantra throughout her cancer journey. Kogilavani, aged 46, completed her treatment in 2017. She shared that her cancer journey was not easy.
“I almost gave up, cancer can be very devastating but human mind has an incredible power to withstand it. I walked out of this like a mortal warrior simply because my will to survive was far greater than to die of fear” she said.
For 31-year-old Jennifer Teh Yin Li, her first thought when she received the news from the doctor was that she is going to die. But then, she took on a positive change in perspective and learned to fully embrace her fight against cancer. Today, Jennifer prides herself on being an outdoorsy person. As for Muhin, his cancer journey has been rough. To get to Hospital Likas, he takes a two-hour ferry ride from where he lives in Pulau Banggi to Kudat and thereafter endures another three hours on land to Hospital Likas.
Distance is no obstruction to Muhin as - all he wants is to be free from cancer - Muhin receives monthly financial assistance from MAKNA (National Cancer Council).
Klimb Kinabalu is MAKNA’s annual cancer awareness and fund-raising campaign headed by the deputy general manager of MAKNA, Vemanna Appannah.
Every weekend for the past two months, the volunteers have been gathering at Bukit Gasing, Bukit Kutu, and Gunung Datuk for their weekly training sessions, as well as steps training at the Batu Caves temple.
“In our everyday lives, we face tragedies and trials. The first step to overcome the fear of the unknown is to brave through the unknown and discover. Challenging one’s self up the mighty Mount Kinabalu helps one explore how adversity can enhance their lives and give them a greater appreciation for life regardless of their personal experiences in the past. It is all about moving forward and not letting anything bring them down.”, said Vemanna.
“The treacherous climb of Mount Kinabalu is a demonstration of resilience and endurance, symbolic of a cancer patient’s victorious fight against cancer and a hope of triumph for those who are still facing the ongoing battle. MAKNA would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors namely, official partner AirAsia Malaysia for sponsoring the flights for all climbers, Tune Protect for covering our travel insurance and Rumah Liza Homestay at Pekan Pedas, Negeri Sembilan for sponsoring the accommodation while training at Gunung Datuk,” ended Vemanna.
Every year, the costs of MAKNA’s commitment towards helping poor patients are constantly rising; hence the continuous effort to raise fund is vital. Without funds, MAKNA will not be able to meet various commitments and responsibilities.
To make a donation to help ease the lives of many financially challenged patients, donations can be made directly to MAKNA via cheque payable to MAKNA or via Maybank Account (5140 7533 9083) and/or www.simplygiving.com/event/klimbkinabalu2018.