THE fight against cancer, with cancer-survivors befriending and advising those who go through the same journey has gone to the heartlands.
“Never Alone” is the campaign theme for Nee Soon GRC as it got off the ground to be Singapore’s first constituency-based cancer support and awareness movement.
The personal touch is significant as in this movement, residents who have survived cancer will befriend and encourage neighbours going through the same journey.
It includes 55 “Health Kakis” who are trained in basic cancer-related information and counselling skills. They are ready to befriend any residents who are going through cancer.
At Sunday’s formal launching of the two Cancer Resource Centres at Blk 839 Yishun St 81 and Kebun Baru Community Club. Minister K Shanmugam, Grassroots Adviser to Nee Soon GRC GROs, says the initiative will “make a real difference in someone else’s life”.
The Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law says: “1 in every 4 to 5 Singaporeans will go through cancer at some point in his or her life. It will make a difference for them to have the support from someone who has been through a similar journey.
‘HEALTH KAKIS’
“I thank all our Health Kakis for stepping forward to bravely share the challenges they faced, and to be that friend to someone else experiencing cancer. They will make a real difference in someone else’s life.”
Backing him were the four MPs in his GRC: Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Er. Dr. Lee Bee Wah, Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang, and Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry.
Nee Soon residents will get information about cancer, as well as a directory of organisations which support cancer patients and their families. The movement also includes awareness talks about cancer at the resource centres and at other community events.
‘I LOST MY DAD TO CANCER’
For Nee Soon East MP Louis Ng, a first-term Member of Parliament, it’s a tear-jerking moment as his late father, Robert Ng, was a cancer-victim. He says: “My daddy lost the cancer battle a few years ago and it really was a very painful journey, both physically and emotionally.
“I miss him dearly and really hope that no one has to go through this terrible experience. And perhaps most importantly, no one should go through this journey alone. I’m really glad we have launched the Cancer Support Movement in Nee Soon GRC and as a community we are coming together to help cancer patients and their families.”
The Singapore Cancer Society gave the thumbs-up, too.
A spokesman says: “The fight against cancer involves all sectors of society and the community. SCS partners organisations and corporations in Singapore to offer on-site cancer talks, without charge, with a focus on basic cancer knowledge and awareness of specific cancer types.
“We will work to build a culture of health by making our educational resources accessible in corporate and community spaces.”
If you are interested in becoming a ‘Health Kaki’ too, please contact Goodlife!@Yishun located at 839 Yishun Street 81.