Materia Medica Malaysiana

Making children aware of perils of cancer : KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26: With a message that cancer awareness should start with the young, the National Cancer Awareness Day was launched at the Mont Kiara International
School today.


The event, organised by the National Cancer Society Malaysia, was made more poignant by having it dedicated to the memory of Madeline Sjonell, a student from the school who died of a brain tumour three years ago.

With the theme "Wear yellow for cancer day", students, teachers and guests were in their "yellow" best as they thronged the school's amphitheatre for the launch of the campaign by Raja Puan Seri Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.

Raja Noora, who is the patron for the campaign, said cancer awareness concerned all including children.

"Most children do not think about cancer. We must remember that last year, more than 1,500 children died of it," she said.

She lauded the participation of the school, especially Niamh Walsh, a student who wrote "Chemophant", a book explaining chemotherapy to children that was also launched today.

"The book will help children understand cancer and arm themselves with knowledge that will help them as they grow older." The event took on a sombre note as student Joanne Richards read a letter from Madeline Sjonell's mother, Eva, to honour the efforts of the society and thanking the school for preserving the memory of her daughter.

"By dedicating this event to her, Madeline's spirit will live on," the letter said.

Later, Raja Noora visited the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia paediatric oncology ward and distributed copies of "Chemophant" to children under treatment.

Apart from this event, several booths were set up at MidValley Megamall, Metrojaya in Bukit Bintang Plaza, Ikea and Cheras Leisure Mall to answer public queries about cancer. A bazaar was also held at the Bangsar Shopping Centre. The campaign will raise funds for the society's Resource and Wellness Centre to publish books and organise talks to inform the public about cancer.