Relay For Life

May 14 (Day 12 of Cycle 2)

Syukur Alhamdullillah it has been a pretty normal day. I forgot that I am in between chemo sessions and that I have another blood test tomorrow to check if my WBC has improved after the 2 booster shots on Friday and Saturday. My temperature was normal after coming back from seeing my doctor, so I did not take the antibiotics. I am not sure if that was good judgement, but I was feeling much better over the weekend and am feeling fine today. When RJ, my brother and I went out for lunch yesterday, I kept being gently reminded that we have been out for quite sometime, that perhaps we should get back home so I could rest. Trust RJ.




I spent the rest of the day planning for what I can do for the upcoming Relay For Life scheduled for June 2-3, 2007 ( a Saturday and Sunday) organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM). I have been to the National Cancer Center before during the early stages of diagnosis to seek a second opinion from the resident specialist, Dr Sulaiman. I am impressed with the way the Center is organised and administered. The warmth and dedication of the staff at the Resource Center has to be genuine. They must be there because they love what they are doing and are not just being employees there.



Ms Adeline Joseph at the Resource Center provided me with quite a bit of reading materials and programs that I could consider joining if I am so inclined. One that perked up my interest is a pamphlet on an event that is to take place in June. It is an overnight event (6pm June 2-10am June 3) to raise funds for the NCSM.

According to the registration form, The Relay For Life Event is the world's largest fundraiser with events in 8 countries. It all began in America in 1985. This will be NCSM's inaugural Relay For Life Kuala Lumpur to coincide with our 40 years of Nathionhood and Visit Malaysia Year 2007. I am quite excited to play my bit in this event and plan to enrol as a team if I can rope in my buddies to go for the experience. And be there to acknowledge that while Cancer may have claimed many lives, the spirit of those we have lost, live on. As well as to acnkowlegde and celebrate life, faith and the re-awakening of the spirit and soul of those still around battling the disease. And to celebrate the unfailing support of caregivers and cheerleaders who unselfishly spur us on.

The date coincides with days 10-11 of my upcoming Cycle 3. So insya Allah, provided there are no surprises, my energy level should have settled back to normal and that if I exercise enough caution, I should be able to manage being in a crowd, recognising that up to days 15, my immunity will be at it's lowest but hopefully I would have got my 2 booster shots by then.

.............Gone but Never Forgotten.............

I can only imagine the number of people who are still grieving over their loved ones who have succumbed to the Big C. Acceptance is difficult enough but faith and time heals. But we are only human, and an object, a scent and even just being in the room where we had lost our loved ones can jolt us back to that day, the moment when we felt that we could have done more and not suffer from the pangs of guilt and remorse. It is hoped that by helping others in similar battles that we can redeem ourselves and provide others with their chance of survival so that they in turn can generate similar motions of generosity and hope.

And here's hoping that the Relay For Life event will be a success and that NCSM will meet their target and noble objective. Registration forms are available at the NCSM Resource and Wellness Center , Bangunan Persatuan Kebangsaan Malaysia, 66 Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, KL. Telephone: 03-26927705/26987300.

Email: contact@cancer.org.my

Website: www.cancer.org.my