Tuesday February 9, 2010
Malacca CM pays tribute to cancer daycare centre
By PERCY D’CRUZ
MALACCA: The Malacca Cancer Society (MCS) and its palliative daycare centre known as Oasis in Taman Melaka Raya here were recently praised by Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Ali Rustam for their voluntary work among poor and marginalised cancer survivors and their families.
Awareness drive: Dr Selva giving a talk organised by the society in Malacca recently. Mohd Ali said it was heartwarming that MCS and Oasis were doing their utmost to promote their defensive-cancer activities and early detection programmes apart from organising talks highlighting common cancers and their treatment.
“Malaysia is blessed as her people enjoy good healthcare and support facilities giving options for a better quality of life.
“Cancer ranks among the top five causes of deaths, according to the Cancer Incidence in Peninsular Malaysia (2003-2005) report by the National Cancer Registry in Kuala Lumpur.
“Despite the good healthcare, we face an enemy that feeds on our ignorance and fear. The only way to overcome this enemy is through education programmes such as those conducted by MCS and Oasis,” he noted.
His speech was read out by Datuk Hajjah Norpipah Abdol, the state executive councillor for Women, Health, Family and Community Development, at a forum organsied by MCS.
The speaker was Dr S. Selva from Mahkota Medical Centre here, whose presentation in English was translated into Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin.
MCS, a non-profit organisation founded in 1982, uses fellowship to uplift cancer patients and survivors and enables them to better manage their lives and families.
MCS president A.C. Vohrah said the Oasis centre was one of the society’s projects.
“Caring for cancer patients is a full-time job that takes a great toll.
“While certain members of the family continue to earn a living to support the household, one or two others take care of the patient.
“To have relief and peace of mind, families can leave the patients at Oasis for a few hours while they attend to their chores,” he said.
Oasis had a range of activities for cancer survivors and their friends to strengthen bonds and deepen their understanding, he said.
“We have laughing yoga, line dancing, Mandarin conversation practice and cookery classes. Ballroom dancing lessons will start in March.
“If anyone is keen to conduct handicraft classes, they are most welcome to contact us,” added Vohrah. For details on MCS, call 06-283 0988.
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