Pink Melody choir members gather on Tuesdays for vocal training sessions at the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Surviving breast cancer is not easy but many get through the tough time with sufficient peer support and go on to live life with a changed perspective.
StarMetro spoke to two groups of breast cancer survivors making a difference through their advocacy work and activities.
Pink Melody
The Pink Melody choir was formed in 2016 under Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA).
About 30 survivors gather on Tuesday evenings for choir practice in preparation for performances to raise awareness of the disease.
Constance Yee, 62, who founded the group, believes music has the ability to change a person’s mood and soothe the soul.
The mother-of-two was diagnosed with cancer in 2005.
She was introduced to several support group activities by BCWA before forming a choir and using songs as a form of therapy.
“When I was diagnosed with the disease, I was 42. My son was seven and daughter 12.
“When they were younger, I took them for music lessons and I gained some insight,” she said, adding that she was not musically trained.
Constance said the choir initially had 12 people and though people had come and gone over the years, the group now had 26 members.
“We also sing at mini concerts,” she added.
Florence has been with the choir since the group’s founding in 2016.
Fellow member Florence Yee, 78, has been cancer-free for more than 20 years.
She has been with the choir since the group was set up and feels that the group has been a good support system.
“My late sister was diagnosed with cancer before me.
“She stopped going for chemotherapy after one session and went for herbal medicine treatment, which cost RM20,000, and passed away soon after.
“I found myself a good support system and doctors told me I would live for five years after my cancer treatment,” she said.
Florence believes peer support has helped her get to this point in her life.
“I have no music talent but I can learn and this motivates me to be part of the choir,” she said.
She added that she also stayed connected with other cancer survivors for emotional support.
Similarly, Rachel Tai, 56, loves being part of the choir as it makes her happy.
“Performing is secondary to me, as the camaraderie which we share is more important.
“In 2015, I was diagnosed with stage three cancer.
“However, I met stage four cancer survivors in the choir and they are doing well, with some in their 80s.
“This group gives me hope and we believe in following the doctor’s treatment plan.
Kala, seen here with fellow chorister Molly Yap, survived cancer twice.
“My advice is to follow through with the plan, and there is life after cancer,” said Tai.
As for Kathy Thong, 65, she became depressed when she was diagnosed with the disease in 2017.
“I did not want people to know about my condition and I struggled in silence.
“By joining the choir and with my daughter’s support, I managed to overcome my struggles.
“I would advise survivors to support others to overcome their challenges,” she said.
Choir singer Kala Balasingam, 53, survived cancer twice.
She was inspired to serve BCWA and is now active in the choir since the passing of her aunt from cancer.
“My aunt was an active member of a dance group for survivors after she was diagnosed in 2008.
“With her passing, I answered a calling to become an advocate for cancer awareness.
“My hope is that more of younger cancer survivors will join these support groups.
“Women should take advantage of the promotions offered in hospitals for checks and mammograms,” she added.
Choir coach Darlyn Goh, 34, is a professional music teacher, who joined the group with no expectations.
“I see that music brings these brave survivors together.
“What makes the group interesting is they are full of hope.
“They like oldies, so I train them to sing those songs.
“They represent the spirit of survivors,” she said.
Pink Unity
Another group of cancer survivors have taken to heart the advice of health experts who say walking is a good form of exercise.
Members of Pink Unity, under National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), participate in group walks to stay healthy and foster friendships while spreading awareness of the disease.
Pink Unity president Mahani Kassim, 61, said the group’s name stood for peer support, inner strength, networking and equipping themselves with knowledge on cancer.
Mahani (middle) with Norbinah (right) and fellow cancer survivor Rukiah Mohd Nor at an event held at Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
“Exercising is important, more so for cancer survivors.
“Our members will gather in small groups and go for walks.
“They would then snap pictures and share in our social media groups,” she added.
Mahani said most would gather once a month at different locations, such as KLCC park, Putrajaya or anywhere in Klang Valley accessible via public transport.
“These members would bring their family members, friends and others in their support system, for the walks,” said the mother of four.
She said the group had a good aura, as the survivors always looked happy and smiling when they go for their monthly walks.
“We had two women who spotted us during the walks and decided to become members.
“They are breast cancer survivors but not part of any support groups before this,” said Mahani.
She said the group members made sure to go to all parts of Klang Valley, for awareness purposes too.
“We have survivors in their 80s who walk with us.
“This motivates the rest of the survivors (as it lets them know) that there is life after cancer,” she highlighted.
Poh Chien, 41, said surviving cancer was a wake-up call and served as a reminder to take care of her well-being.
She was diagnosed at 37 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Now, she participates in the walks organised by Pink Unity.
“I was afraid to die and I was young when I was diagnosed.
“My mother passed away from colon cancer and I became depressed for two years.
“I overcame all this by keeping myself active and participating in activities.
“I help others like me by supporting their cancer recovery journey,” said Poh.
As for Norbinah Hamid, 50, she learned about Pink Unity through other patients in the hospital during her treatment.
She signed up and has not looked back since.
“I was too lazy to exercise prior to being diagnosed with cancer.
“Now, I look forward to the brisk walks, inspired by others from Pink Unity.
“I no longer allow my time to go to waste,” she said.
Her two children are 29 and 17 but her cancer survivor friends are her biggest supporters.
“My children accompany me to these walks.
“I get more emotional support from the survivors compared to my relatives, because they (fellow survivors) understand the situation better.
“I think I will not be as positive as I am today without the support of my peers from Pink Unity,” said Norbinah.
