Sexagenarian creates WhatsApp group chat to support cancer patients
It serves as a platform for other cancer warriors to share their experiences and give advice, tips, and words of encouragement to help each other stay hopeful and positive in life despite enduring indescribable pain.
GEORGE TOWN - Refusing to let pain control her life, a breast cancer warrior created a WhatsApp group chat gathering cancer patients from various backgrounds and ages called Life Free From Cancer.
Haliza Abd Halim, 62, said the group chat that she founded 13 years ago with only six members has grown to 140 members.
She said it serves as a platform for other cancer warriors to share their experiences and give advice, tips, and words of encouragement to help each other stay hopeful and positive in life despite enduring indescribable pain.
Haliza said group members knew each other from hospital visits, and these members would invite other cancer warriors who needed encouragement into the group.
"We support each other. If someone is unwell, I will take other cancer warriors to comfort them to prove that they can be healthy too,” she said when met after the Warrior Run 2024, organised by Gleneagles Hospital at Padang Kota Esplanade, here yesterday.
A total of 5,328 people participated in the event, which was held to raise awareness about cancer and show support to those fighting the disease.
Penang Youth, Sports, and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen flagged off the participants. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and State Social, Welfare and non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim were present.
According to Haliza, 11 stage two, three and four breast cancer patients who are part of the group chat took the ETS train from Kuala Lumpur to participate in the run.
"Activities like this not only boost our spirits but also prove that we are capable of reaching the finish line,” said Haliza, who has been a cancer warrior for the past 11 years.
A member of the Life Free From Cancer group chat, Ummi Salmah Hashim, 50, said being sick does not mean one should give up without a fight.
"Although we are sick, we have to stay strong and mingle with others. I am grateful to have met like-minded people who are always positive as they help motivate me to face life,” she said. - BERNAMA
