You don’t have to do it alone

JOHOR BARU: What started off as one person’s journey to get some support for herself has today changed the lives of countless breast cancer patients and survivors here.

Over 20 years ago, Doris Boo, who at that time had just completed treatment for breast cancer, was looking for a support group in Johor Baru.

“I was looking around for a group of people I could talk to and share my pain and the harrowing experience I was going through.

“But my efforts were not successful, so I tried calling the Breast Cancer Welfare Association in Kuala Lumpur to ask if there was such a group in Johor Baru.

“The answer was in the negative,” she said in an interview.

The association, however, told Boo that another cancer patient was hoping to set up such a support group in the state.

“I was introduced to Joyce Ng, who was keen on the idea despite not being from here.

“Later on, we got to know a few more like-minded breast cancer patients and survivors,” said Boo, 70.

“We met up regularly to share our feelings and exchange ideas or questions. Basically, our meetings were to offer support to each other.

“From this, we expanded our activities to also include organising roadshows to raise awareness of breast cancer,” she added.

Meaningful touch: Volunteer Callena Ong showing one of the wigs that patients could get for free from them.

Boo said Ng died not long after the support group was set up in 2000.

“We were very sad, but her spirit inspired the rest of us to continue what she had started,” she said.

Boo and Ng were among the founders of the Johor Baru Breast Cancer Support Group (JBBCSG).

Today, the non-governmental organisation has over 500 members, including breast cancer patients, survivors and volunteers.

Boo, who is also adviser to the support group, said JBBCSG had to relocate its centre from one place to another for about 14 years.

Finally, it bought a double-storey house at No 12, Jalan Ru, Taman Kebun Teh here.

JBBCSG president Datin Ang Chin Fan, 62, who is also a breast cancer survivor, said the centre has a wellness room where patients can walk in for a free consultation.

“Any breast cancer patient is welcome to talk to our volunteers – some of them are retired nurses and cancer survivors themselves,” she said, adding that the wellness room operates every Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm.

Ang said cancer patients can share what they are going through, ask questions and find out more about possible assistance.

She said the wellness room provides patients, especially those who just got diagnosed, with a safe space to share their concerns.

“Being told you have cancer is not an easy pill to swallow. Here, they can confide in people who understand the disease well.

“It also allows them to ask any question about their condition. This includes talking to their family about the disease,” she said.

The centre also has a room where patients can buy prosthetics and bras that are sold at discounted prices.

“Usually, the prosthetics and bras are sold with about a 50% discount all year round, but in May and October, they will be sold at a much lower price.

“For those having financial problems, they can talk to us and we will give them a bigger discount or even for free.

“Those who are losing hair due to the treatments can also get a wig for free,” said Ang.

She added that JBBCSG also provides cancer patients and survivors a space to carry out a wide range of activities to cheer them on.