The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.113)

2019 • 08 06 eature D atuk Lee Chong Wei, three-time Olympic silver medallist and one of Malaysia’s most successful athletes, announced his retirement on June 13, 2019, bowing out from his illustrious 19-year career in professional badminton. “My decision to retire is a heavy one. I really love this sport. But it’s a demanding sport,” professed Lee, 36, at a news conference. He added, “My health is more important. I originally planned to retire after the Olympic Games. I made this decision due to my health.” The badminton ace was forced to withdraw from the 2018 BWF World Championships in Nanjing, China and the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games after being diagnosed with early-stage nose cancer in July that same year. His condition was declared stable upon returning fromTaiwan, where he underwent treatment for three months. Following his recovery, he expressed interest in competing in his fifth Olympic Games in 2020, but his hopes were dashed by the current circumstances of his health. He was advised by his doctor to refrain from over-exerting himself to prevent his cancer from relapsing. Lee’s high-profile status as a national sports personality has turned public attention to the importance of cancer awareness. Nevertheless, the physical and psychological challenges facing cancer patients and their families in the fight against cancer remain a distant speculation to most of us observing from the sidelines. For cancer patients, seeking treatment is a priority, yet adequate emotional support is equally essential. In light of this, volunteers of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor and TIMA have joined forces in establishing a Cancer Support Group in October 2013. On the second Sunday of every month, cancer patients and their family members would gather at the Tzu Chi Kelana Jaya Community Centre to take part in various activities. Participating volunteers and TIMA members are divided into smaller support teams to deliver personalized care to cancer patients. In this feature, oncologist Dr Ivan Shew Yee Siang, Chuah Bee Leng, the widowed wife of deceased cancer patient, Lim Chong Chee, as well as volunteers Lau Siew Ching and Tan Eng, share inspiring stories of compassion, resilience and empathy, as they take us through their poignant experience of caring for cancer patients and moving on with life. Members of the Cancer Support Group and their family members are guided by a physician on the techniques of massaging pressure points on the body to enhance overall well-being. [Photograph by Leong Chian Yee]