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Dr William Tan, 52
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"I told myself, it's perfectly okay
to have cancer. I will be a stronger
person, a better doctor, because
I have crossed the bridge. When
I help my patients, I can tell them
I've been there before."
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Medical Doctor
Neuroscientist
Charity Fundraiser
Race Against Cancer's Supporter
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Dr William Tan was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in April 2009 and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. The side-effects of the treatment did not deter him from taking part in the Race. The Society is touched by his ardent support towards our cause even in the midst of his difficult battle with cancer.
He has undertaken to wheel for 1 km. "I'll do my best in this race against cancer and if I feel tired, I'll just slow down but not give up. The fight against cancer has to continue. I encourage everyone to support this race as our efforts could help raise the needed funds for the many cancer patients who require the treatment but unable to afford due to its high costs," said Dr Tan.
It is the Society's hope that with his participation, cancer patients and survivors will be encouraged by his strength and fighting spirit. |
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Koh Chieng Mun, 50
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"There's no point keeping your cancer a secret. Accept it, then learn to live with it. Don't let it overcome you."
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Actress
Breast & Kidney Cancer Survivor
RAC's Volunteer Emcee
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In Oct 2005, Chieng Mun was stunned when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and kidney cancer at the same time. During a routine monthly self-examination in late 2005, Chieng Mun found a lump in her right breast. A mammogram confirmed that there was a 2.3cm tumour. She did a CT scan on all her organs to check if the cancer has spread, and a tumour was found in her kidney. "It was a giant shock! I didn't have any blood in the uring nor pain in the lower back, nothing!" said Chieng Mun.
Her oncologist told her that breast cancer saved her life because the tumour in her kidney was a fast-growing but "silent one". Chieng Mun's brother, a gynaecologist who specializes in cervical cancer, told her to get it out immediately. She started on six weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy after the operation.
"I've discovered my cancer so quickly, because I had a good understanding of breast cancer from the publicity campaign that I did. I didn't muck around, I went straight to the breast cancer specialist."
Her catholic faith and her family support had helped her in her cancer journey. She had also made changes to her lifestyle. She chooses foods that are more alkaline, keeps healthy by getting lots of rest and exercise. Her priority is spending time with her family.
Chieng Mun had this to share with cancer patients: "You have to love yourself and do all you can to help yourself get well because no one else can do it better than YOU. Trust your doctors - they are doing their best for you. Trust in God - He will hold your hand in your walk with cancer."
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