Running for a good cause
WHEN Norhasnah Hashim was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2013, she felt scared and alone. But she has overcome that anxiety and fear with the help of her friends. Some of them are cancer survivors and support group members of the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) and Pride Foundation Malaysia (PFM)
They motivated her to face the challenges ahead especially since she had to undergo five surgeries in just two years.
“It hasn’t been an easy journey, so it’s important to stay positive,” said Norhasnah.
“I draw strength from these support groups and the friends I’ve made helped me feel that I can still live life to the fullest.”
In fact, she has managed to keep her spirits up and was just as cheerful at UCSI University’s (UCSI) recent Light the Life charity run.
“She completed the run with her fellow cancer survivors who were among 400 runners promoting cancer awareness.
“About 100,000 Malaysians are diagnosed with cancer each year and the road to recovery is rough for both the patients and their loved ones,” said Assoc Prof Dr Yeong Siew Wei, UCSI’s deputy vice-chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni.
“While we cannot erase the pain and hardship caused by the disease, we hope that the amount raised can help them financially.”
Organised by UCSI’s Facilitation Programme where students actively drive socially impactful events under the guidance of the university’s Student Affairs division, Light the Life also saw 20 volunteers – most of whom are students at UCSI – shaving their heads in support of the cause.
Dr Yeong thanked and commended the volunteers, saying that their courageous act will create awareness of the disease and impact those they meet.
The Light the Life programme also featured a cancer info zone, food stalls, a photo booth and performances by Passion Danz Studio and UCSI students including alum Ryan Cho Yik Ming, a top 20 finalist in the ongoing 2016 Astro Star Quest.
Donations amounting to RM34,000 was received and presented to eight non-profit organisations: the National Cancer Council Malaysia, Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society, Empowered – The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia, Malaysia Anti-Cancer Society, Max Family Society Malaysia as well as NCSM, BWCA and PFM.
Such donations help to keep these non-profits going so that they may continue educating the public and providing support and advice to patients like Norhasnah.
“Many people don’t go for regular medical check-ups, maybe because they’re afraid of bad news,” said Lilian Phua, a BWCA committee member.
“But early detection is important and that is possible because of awareness initiatives like Light the Life.”
“No one should think they are safe. In Malaysia, breast cancer affects one in every 20 women. It’s great that the students here are actively participating as it’s never too early to be aware of the symptoms and to make regular check-ups a practice.”
A cancer survivor herself, Phua is now fully recovered, but she remembers the early days when she was also scared and confused.
“Phua is now providing counselling and support to Norhasnah and other cancer patients.
Norhasnah said that she felt good that she could finish the run. Sponsored by Bridgestone Tyre Sales, Light the Life is the fifth and final initiative in UCSI’s Spread the Love Community Engagement Project 2016. The project has raised a total of RM61,000 so far.