The world of Tzu Chi March 2023 (Vol.145)

TZU CHI 145 21 seemed to be flapping their wings and took flight in time of every rise and fall of the tune. Many morning joggers cast curious glances on the joyful group; in total, there were 79 cancer patients and their family members, some of them came from as far as Segamat, Johor. The CSG Caring Team leader, Kuan Mun Jen, glanced through the familiar faces she had been missing, and was moved to tears receiving repeated words of thanks from the patients. “I am very moved seeing all these smiling faces. It has been very hard for all of us in the past two years fighting against illnesses during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. On top of all that, we are yet to face the unpredictability of the presence of impermanence; so I hope that everyone has been able to draw strength from our CSG and continue to get the support that you need during adversity. I hope we can all make it through these difficult times and see brighter days ahead.” Mun Jen, a breast cancer survivor, assumed the role as the leader of the Caring Team since the establishment of the CSG by Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) KL & Selangor nine years ago. Throughout these years, even though she witnessed the passing of many cancer patients, there were also many who successfully won the battle against the disease. Mun Jen firmly believes in having the CSG as the platform for cancer patients to access cancer-related information and updates, in addition to providing mutual support to one another and boosting their spirits in times of despair. During the pandemic outbreak when physical activity was not possible, CSG persevered to organise online monthly activities, so that cancer patients could continue to acquire medical information, nutritional facts, and other supports where necessary, remaining strong and gaining courage through the positive sharing of the group. Mun Jen was grateful for the establishment of the online programme, whereby those from as far as Penang, Johor, and East Malaysia were also able to take part at the same time. The CSG’s online presence now continues to cast a wider network of support for cancer patients and their family members nationwide. On this day, CSG resumed its physical activity. Mun Jen invited four cancer patients onto the stage to receive their name tags and gifts as the Sunshine Ambassadors 2 . The Ambassadors were deeply appreciated for their selfless contribution in caring and comforting fellow cancer patients. Towards the end of the activity, CSG’s theme song, “My Name Is Bravery”, was sung in high spirit, celebrating CSG’s marching towards its tenth year. On this special day, everyone also sang the birthday song cheerfully before a small cake, wishing for better health, breaking free from the pandemic, and a better world for everyone. 1 The Tzu Chi CSG was established on October 13, 2013, by the TIMA KL & Selangor upholding the patient- centred concept and the tenet to safeguard health with love. Get-together sessions are held on the second Sunday of each month, with hope to extend spiritual support through caring efforts from volunteers, and to inspire cancer patients to find meaning in life again, in spite of adversity. 2 Sunshine Ambassadors are appointed each year by the CSG to motivate cancer patients to overcome their despair and face their circumstances with a positive attitude while spreading love and strength to fellow members.