The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.113)

TZU CHI 113 11 for no man. This realization spurred Kim Mooi and Yen Wai’s decision to reconnect with Tzu Chi by committing as volunteers and live life to the fullest. Kim Mooi managed to find a balance between making time for treatment and devoting herself to Tzu Chi. Kim Mooi spent a year dividing her time between undergoing treatment and volunteering with Tzu Chi. She was about to heave a sigh of relief, assuming that the cancer cells were kept under control, but the cancer cells were unexpectedly triggered again and spread to her lymph glands, resulting in a tumour growth that required immediate surgery to remove. Four months later, the cancer cells had invaded her liver and neck. By the second half of 2017, the cancer cells had entered her bones, spine, pelvis and cerebellum. To Kim Mooi, a cancer patient is equally capable of leading a productive life. Life went on for Kim Mooi; she remained an active member of the Support Group and participated in Tzu Chi’s activities. Letting life take its course Kim Mooi had to grit her teeth through the rigours of treatment, yet she was grateful to Dr Shew for never giving up on helping her stabilize her condition and for adding colour to her life by introducing her to the Support Group. Dr Shew, in turn, was thankful for Kim Mooi’s faith in him, as a patient’s trust means a lot to a doctor. “Living with cancer requires patients to attain a balanced mindset that reconciles confrontation and acceptance. Kim Mooi was able to navigate this with grace. I think it’s largely due to her participation in Tzu Chi, as she sought solace by immersing herself in the Dharma,” opined Dr Shew. Kim Mooi passed away peacefully in her home on June 19, 2018. Yen Wai handed over her remains to the Silent Mentor Programme, in accordance with Kim Mooi’s wishes. She had hoped that the live cells in her body would facilitate medical research on a cure for cancer. Yen Wai was initially reluctant to agree to Kim Mooi’s final wish, but finally relented upon her persuasion and even signed up as a Silent Mentor himself. In November 2018, YenWai was certified as a Tzu Chi Faith Corps member. “Kim Mooi was more dedicated to pursuing the Tzu Chi Path than I am. It feels as if I’m receiving the honour on her behalf,” he said in memory of Kim Mooi. Considering his line of work, Dr Shew is no stranger to the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. As he pondered the value of life, he had this to share: “Life is unpredictable, so we have to always be prepared. I don’t believe in splurging one’s fortune on luxury cars and watches. Material possessions are of no importance to me. I’m content with a harmonious family and quality education for my children.” Note: Radiotherapy, commonly known as “electrotherapy”, is a form of treatment that emits high-intensity radiation to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Source: Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report, 2007–2011 CarryingOn with Cancer