This is why a solid support system is critical, and that’s where Pink Unity, a support group under the National Cancer Society Malaysia, comes in. Established in 2008, it is open to women who have been affected by any form of cancer.
“Even with strong support from their families, those with cancer can still feel like they are alone,” Pink Unity member Mariana Hussein, 62, told FMT Lifestyle.
Wholly run by cancer survivors, Pink Unity organises activities such as motivational talks and craft classes on decoupage (paper cutting), baking and soapmaking.
“It’s to tell women who are diagnosed that it’s not the end,” said fellow member Betty Ann Gomes, also 62. “They can learn a new skill. Some have even gone on to make a small living after.”
Members of Pink Unity are called survivors regardless of whether or not they are in remission. “The moment you are diagnosed, you are a survivor because you’re fighting through it,” Mariana explained.
Over the years, the group has published two books, “Taking The Bull By the Horns” and “I Will Not Go Quietly”. In April 2015, sharing sessions known as Pink Blossom were started to provide a platform for the women to voice their struggles.
“Suppressing one’s emotions can lead to depression. Life is never the same after cancer, but you can learn to manage it and make the best out of it,” said NK Valliammai A Nagappan, 58, who is fondly known as Valli.
“I believe if you want to fight cancer, it’s not just physical: the mental aspect is also very, very important,” added Mariana.
Each Pink Blossom session, which is held every other month, is led by facilitators who are cancer survivors themselves. These include Mariana and Gomes, while Valli heads the group of facilitators.
Sessions include icebreakers and light physical exercises for those who can participate. And while it is a place for survivors to speak about their challenges, they are careful to keep the environment positive so participants will leave with a sense of hope.
Mariana, Gomes and Valli have witnessed women being transformed through Pink Blossom. Breast cancer patient Mahani Kassim was initially reluctant to join but, after her first session, she left with a different perspective and even decided to take her wig off. Today, she is the president of Pink Unity.
Another success story involves a breast cancer survivor named Heng Siang Yook. During her first session, she cried a lot and hardly looked up. Today, she, too, has a completely changed perspective and is a facilitator.
Happily, both Mahani and Heng, as well as Mariana and Gomes, are in remission. Valli, however, experienced a recurrence of breast cancer in 2020. Despite this, she remains as committed as ever to her role as lead facilitator and always aims to share a message of hope.
“We want to let people know that it’s OK. We have gone through the journey and so can you. We want others to believe there is life after cancer,” Valli stressed.
She, therefore, encourages others who have been touched by cancer to join them, as peer support is crucial. “You are not alone in this journey,” she concluded.
Details of the next Pink Blossom session:
When:
May 11 (Saturday), 10.30am-12.30pm
Where:
Resource & Wellness Centre, 1st floor,
National Cancer Society Malaysia,
66, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz,
50300 Kuala Lumpur
To RSVP, contact Betty Ann Gomes at 012-333 7443.