Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) recently hosted a cancer survivorship gala dinner as a way to recognize those affected by the disease at Quill City Mall Kuala Lumpur.
Themed ‘Celebrating Courage, Celebrating Life’, the dinner feted several SJMC patients of varying ages who are optimistically fighting cancer to emerge as survivors.
SJMC chief executive officer Bryan Lin said survivorship of cancer is about leading a fulfilling life after diagnosis and treatment, and surviving the disease.
He said, “Throughout these years, many patients have passed through our doors, and went on to live life to the fullest. While achieving the best medical and clinical outcomes for every patient is important to us, we also recognise that support systems and empowerment are equally important. That is why we take a holistic approach to cancer care and events like tonight are close to our hearts. We need to continuously strive to do better because for a cancer patient, every single day counts.”
With the focus on celebrating life, the evening saw SJMC survivors taking to the stage to share their cancer journey on defeating the disease to help them attain a new lease on life.
In addition to doctors’ care and strong support system provided by family and friends, an optimistic attitude and fighting spirit were among the positive factors cited in their life-affirming stories.
Vimala Thevi Ganesan, who has stage 2 breast cancer and is currently undergoing treatment, said, “No matter what life brings us, we women are exceptionally strong because we will always find a way to overcome any challenge that comes our way. Cancer is not the end, and with faith, courage, and confidence, everything will be okay.”
Other highlights at the dinner included a fashion show featuring cancer survivors as models and a stand-up comedy performance by popular comedian Harith Iskander.
The models walked the runway modelling fashions by Malaysian fashion designer Melinda Looi in an uplifting and inspiring fashion show.
Looi said the fashion show was both about her collection and the cancer survivors who were the true inspiration. “I believe it is important to encourage those who have overcome cancer because they have faced difficulties that many of us will not understand. Whether they are cancer survivors, patients or caring for someone with cancer, I am deeply moved by the tenacity and courage shown in their fight against the disease.”
Lending its support to the event was cosmetics company Amorepacific which provided make-overs for the cancer survivors.
Amorepacific Malaysia country manager Margaret Chin said, “Our involvement reflects our firm commitment to improve the lives of female cancer patients by equipping them with skills and knowledge in makeup and skincare that can help them regain their self-confidence despite the challenges they go through.”
During the gala dinner, four non-governmental organizations (NGOs) received mock cheques of RM2,500 each at the presentation ceremony.
The recipients were Breast Cancer Welfare Association, Lung Cancer Network Malaysia, Prostate Cancer Society Malaysia and National Cancer Society Malaysia.
The dinner was also attended by Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care (RSDH) Group chief executive officer Peter Hong and RSDH Group medical advisor Dato’ Dr Jacob Thomas.
Lin said there are over 200 types of cancers and conducted research by Cancer Research Malaysia showed that 1 in every 4 Malaysians is affected by the disease.
“We still have a lot of work ahead of us and we can only achieve significant milestones and breakthroughs by working together.”
According to the World Health Organization, the most common cancers in Malaysia are breast cancer, followed by colorectal and lung cancers. High awareness coupled with screening and early detection have a significant impact on surviving cancer, while support after treatment also plays a crucial part.
The cancer survivorship gala dinner is testament to SJMC’s holistic approach towards cancer, which goes beyond treatment and extends to patient empowerment and celebration of life. In keeping with this, the hospital’s Cancer & Radiosurgery Centre (CRC) brings together a robust and active community of cancer patients and survivors who support one another in dealing with the physical and emotional changes associated with the disease post treatment.
SJMC is part of the Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care (RSDH) group of hospitals. It is accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) and Joint Commission International (JCI), a globally recognized accreditation for medical services.
