Scent of sweet success
Cancer survivor now a successful businessman in Penang.
GEORGE TOWN: Years of a twopack-a-day smoking habit and heavy drinking took their toll on businessman Lim Chu Piu when he was diagnosed with third-stage nose cancer in 1994.
“I was 44 then. The cancer left me in constant pain and I thought I would not be able to watch my twoyear-old son grow up.
“I would pray to God everyday I woke up to give me a few more years,” he said when met at his shop, C.P. Lim Floral Enterprise, in Bandar Baru Ayer Itam yesterday.
The cancer survivor, 67, has not only kicked his bad habits but has become a successful businessman as well.
Lim, who dropped out of school in Form Two, recalled how at one time, he did not have a stable job and helped out his sister, a florist.
“My sister taught me flower arrangement and showed me the ropes of the business.
“I also worked for a few other florists to gain more experience.
“It was quite tough then. I had to work and also battle the disease,” he said.
Lim said he started out with only RM5,000 and later bought a three-storey shop lot to expand his business at the present location.
He attributed his success to his wife Tan Guat Lee, 56, who was his pillar of strength.
“Now that I’ve been given a second chance at life, I would like to advise others who are battling cancer not to give up.
“You need to be strong and have a positive mentality to win the fight.
“And don’t let others stop you from doing the things you love.”
Lim, a wholesaler and importer of artificial flowers, has quit smoking and goes for morning walks daily.
“I enjoy watching the sunrise. It reminds me I have another day to live and be thankful,” he said.