Through good times and bad: Cancer survivors (from left) Soh, Rozimah, Vijayalakhsimy, Nori and Khairusafinaz in a joyous mood celebrating Malaysia Day. — RSN MURALI/The Star
MELAKA: Khairusafinaz Tumiran’s battle against breast cancer was arduous but it also gave her a sense of kinship with other patients of other races.
“Never underestimate your fellow Malaysians. They will stand by you during the toughest period of your life,” she said.
Khairusafinaz, 45, was diagnosed with cancer in 2017.
“The disease taught me how beautiful Malaysians are. I got big hugs from my fellow countrymen who stood by me during my journey fighting cancer,” she said during a gathering held by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia’s (NCSM) Melaka branch.
Khairusafinaz acknowledged that growing up, she did not have many friends from other backgrounds.
“My childhood was spent at a typical Malay village in Pontian, Johor,” she added.
But she has since discovered that people, despite differences in colour and creed, could all be united in the face of hardship.
Doctors in Hospital Melaka had often seen her getting visitors of various races who would sit by her bedside and giving her words of encouragement when she was first diagnosed with cancer.
“The doctors asked me whether I was a popular figure, but I told them that God wants me to appreciate the diversity,” she said.
Khairusafinaz also spoke of sharing food and visiting fellow cancer survivors to celebrate the different festivities.
Now, she serves as a patient navigator with NSCM to help care for other Malaysians.
Cancer survivor KS Vijayalakhsimy, 74, was among the first to visit Khairusafinaz in the early days after her diagnosis. The mother of two even invited Khairusafinaz to stay at her home while she went through a series of treatments.
Referring to Malaysia Day tomorrow, Vijayalakhsimy said she was a mere teenager when Malaysia was formed in 1963.
“At that time, we always mingled freely and helped each other,” she recounted.
Housewife Nori Ahmad, 42, a cancer survivor from Sarawak who was also present at the NCSM Melaka gathering, spoke of the cohesiveness among the people in Kuching.
“We always have a connection with one another regardless of race,” she said.
Rozimah Muhammad from Sabah spoke of similar sentiments. Referring to the diversity in her home state, she said:
“We don’t talk about race over there. Harmony is the cornerstone of our strength.”
Rozimah, 50, a homemaker who is also a breast cancer survivor, said: “We have to thank NCSM Melaka for frequently organising get-togethers and giving our unity a boost.”
Soh Yan Mei, 39, said she is grateful to have a close bond with cancer survivors from different backgrounds.
“We have a WhatsApp group where we reach out to each other. People should not be influenced by the actions of some who want to play up religious and racial differences,” said the housewife.
She also urged the young generation to appreciate Malaysia Day.
“We don’t know when we would need the help of others. Since being diagnosed with breast cancer last year, I have found kind Malaysians from all races who would be supportive in times of need,” she added.
