Helping young to fight cancer

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Young cancer patients have been urged never to give up hope.
"Sometimes it is very hard for them to deal with the fact that they are suffering from cancer.
"Being in the prime of life but robbed of their aspirations is a terrible thing to endure," said Cancerlink Foundation board of trustees chairperson Joanne V. Fernandez.
In support of youth afflicted with cancer, the Cancerlink Foundation and the Federal Territory Girl Guides Association are launching a fund-raising campaign for the annual Seri Endon Victory Ventures Camp.
The camp, organised by the foundation, is an ongoing support programme for young cancer patients.
"For the past three years, we have been taking 60 to 80 participants to a location that can accommodate the programme.
"The four-day, three-night camp is filled with activities such as water sports, arts and music.
"Each programme is designed to help the youth overcome the debilitating and, at times, traumatic effects of cancer.
"The holistic programme helps the youth to develop the necessary skills to overcome their fears, anger and pain.
"They need to know that cancer is not a death sentence.
"They need to know that they can still live their lives to the fullest," said Fernandez.
In July, the camp was held at the Outward Bound School in Lumut, Perak, and was a success.
"The programme also includes counselling sessions where former participants and cancer survivors get to share their experiences, offering hope and support to others."
Yesterday, more than 300 donation tins were distributed to various Girl Guide troops from schools in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor to help collect funds.
Next year’s event will be held in May.
Also present were the Federal Territory Girl Guides Association patron Datin Nor Zan Mohd Adnan, its president Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng and state commissioner Junie Simon.