Triumph over adversity: Stories of courage in the face of cancerFEB 4, 2019 11.41 AM
Tan Soh Hooi about to dive off the platform at the Canyon Swing, New Zealand.
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Embracing life's thrills: Tan Soh Hooi's remarkable journey
Determined to celebrate her 50th birthday in a remarkable way, Tan Soh Hooi made a daring choice. A year earlier, she had received the devastating news of cervical cancer. Instead of succumbing to despair, she embarked on an extraordinary adventure.
"After enduring six grueling weeks of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and high-intensity brachytherapy," she recounted, "I decided to live life to the fullest. If anything were to happen, I wanted to know that I had lived happily."
Tan Soh Hooi's path to resilience began when, at 46, she embraced her friend's encouragement to start running. Despite the physical challenges, she shed 18 kilograms and completed her first marathon—a 12-kilometer run. In the following year, she ran a half marathon.
Her fitness journey took an unexpected turn when she received her cancer diagnosis. Initially angry at the setback, she quickly adjusted her perspective. Following a hysterectomy, she continued to pursue her passions, refusing to let cancer define her. She even ran another marathon, indulging in her favorite treats.
Despite her relapse, Tan Soh Hooi faced her challenges head-on. She sought support from the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), attending emotional support sessions and practicing Qigong for physical and mental well-being.
Finding strength in support: Citra Dewi's inspiring journey
For Citra Dewi, being an active member of breast cancer support groups and participating in awareness campaigns is her source of strength. Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 43, she underwent a mastectomy, facing both physical and emotional challenges.
"During chemotherapy, I experienced hair loss, swollen face, and lost my teeth," Citra Dewi shared. "But with the support of my family, husband, and friends, I persevered through these tough times."
Citra Dewi, who still grapples with feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, has made it her mission to help other women facing similar battles. She's determined to give back to the community that supported her during her darkest days.
Dancing through adversity: Calysta Tay Yilynn's inspiring tale
Calysta Tay Yilynn, a 26-year-old leukemia survivor, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at the tender age of 10, she underwent two years of grueling chemotherapy treatments before being declared cancer-free.
Today, holding a degree in biotechnology and working as a medical conference organizer in Kuala Lumpur, Calysta is an advocate for the Young Survivor Group at NCSM. She emphasizes that cancer knows no gender boundaries and strives to raise awareness about its non-contagious nature.
Calysta's life revolves around embracing normalcy from cooking to dancing, applying makeup, bonding with loved ones, and sharing her experiences. Her journey is a living testament to the power of resilience and determination.
Capturing life's beauty: Lavania Nagarajan's artistic pursuits
Lavania Nagarajan, faced with significant challenges from a young age, has chosen to define her life through art. Living by the motto "Don't find the meaning of life, but make life as meaningful as possible," Lavania discovered her passion for photography two years ago.
Dealing with a colostomy bag since infancy and later diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 21, Lavania overcame adversity through her love for photography. Today, at 23, she specializes in maternity and newborn photography, with aspirations to develop her skills in portraiture.
These remarkable individuals—Tan Soh Hooi, Citra Dewi, Calysta Tay Yilynn, and Lavania Nagarajan—remind us that the human spirit can triumph over adversity. Their stories inspire hope, courage, and the belief that life's challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Determined to celebrate her 50th birthday in a remarkable way, Tan Soh Hooi made a daring choice. A year earlier, she had received the devastating news of cervical cancer. Instead of succumbing to despair, she embarked on an extraordinary adventure.
"After enduring six grueling weeks of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and high-intensity brachytherapy," she recounted, "I decided to live life to the fullest. If anything were to happen, I wanted to know that I had lived happily."
Tan Soh Hooi's path to resilience began when, at 46, she embraced her friend's encouragement to start running. Despite the physical challenges, she shed 18 kilograms and completed her first marathon—a 12-kilometer run. In the following year, she ran a half marathon.
Her fitness journey took an unexpected turn when she received her cancer diagnosis. Initially angry at the setback, she quickly adjusted her perspective. Following a hysterectomy, she continued to pursue her passions, refusing to let cancer define her. She even ran another marathon, indulging in her favorite treats.
Despite her relapse, Tan Soh Hooi faced her challenges head-on. She sought support from the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), attending emotional support sessions and practicing Qigong for physical and mental well-being.
Finding strength in support: Citra Dewi's inspiring journey
For Citra Dewi, being an active member of breast cancer support groups and participating in awareness campaigns is her source of strength. Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 43, she underwent a mastectomy, facing both physical and emotional challenges.
"During chemotherapy, I experienced hair loss, swollen face, and lost my teeth," Citra Dewi shared. "But with the support of my family, husband, and friends, I persevered through these tough times."
Citra Dewi, who still grapples with feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, has made it her mission to help other women facing similar battles. She's determined to give back to the community that supported her during her darkest days.
Dancing through adversity: Calysta Tay Yilynn's inspiring tale
Calysta Tay Yilynn, a 26-year-old leukemia survivor, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at the tender age of 10, she underwent two years of grueling chemotherapy treatments before being declared cancer-free.
Today, holding a degree in biotechnology and working as a medical conference organizer in Kuala Lumpur, Calysta is an advocate for the Young Survivor Group at NCSM. She emphasizes that cancer knows no gender boundaries and strives to raise awareness about its non-contagious nature.
Calysta's life revolves around embracing normalcy from cooking to dancing, applying makeup, bonding with loved ones, and sharing her experiences. Her journey is a living testament to the power of resilience and determination.
Capturing life's beauty: Lavania Nagarajan's artistic pursuits
Lavania Nagarajan, faced with significant challenges from a young age, has chosen to define her life through art. Living by the motto "Don't find the meaning of life, but make life as meaningful as possible," Lavania discovered her passion for photography two years ago.
Dealing with a colostomy bag since infancy and later diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 21, Lavania overcame adversity through her love for photography. Today, at 23, she specializes in maternity and newborn photography, with aspirations to develop her skills in portraiture.
These remarkable individuals—Tan Soh Hooi, Citra Dewi, Calysta Tay Yilynn, and Lavania Nagarajan—remind us that the human spirit can triumph over adversity. Their stories inspire hope, courage, and the belief that life's challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and resilience.
