Former Mount Miriam employee continues to promote cancer awareness programme

Chew (left) and Khoo showing their medals after completing the charity run. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star

AS a former staff member of Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital, Shawn Chew Kun Lim certainly knows how compassion and understanding could help cancer patients cope better with thedisease.

“I have seen cancer patients who sought treatment at the hospital. It is tough for them and their family as well.

“We need to provide comfort for them, make them stronger and better prepared to cope with any difficulties in life.

“Family members too, need to show the patients that they would be given all the needs and care possible,” he said.

For this reason, Chew, 30, made it a point to take part in the hospital’s annual signature cancer awareness charity run which was held for the fourth year running.

In previous three editions, he served as a volunteer.

This year, both he and his girlfriend Winney Khoo Wey Wey, 23, were among 1,500 participants who joined the run themed ‘I Lung You Charity Run’ held at Straits Quay in Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

The theme was a nod to create lung cancer awareness, with all runners needed to register in pairs.

Those who completed the 4.8km fun within 90 minutes in pairs received custom-made medals that consisted of two pieces — each shaped like a left and right lung.

Proudly showing off their medals at the finishing line, Chew said he was happy to be part of the event that saw proceeds being channelled to the hospital’s Needy Cancer Patient Fund.

“This hospital caters to the lower and middle-income groups. I have seen many financially strapped patients who sought treatment here.

“Smoking has proven to be associated with having higher risk of lung cancer.

“Please stop smoking for your own good,” he said.

Hospital chief executive officer Joan Lim-Choong said they wanted to encourage non-smokers to offer support to their smoker friends in quitting the habit.

“Someone who feels supported is more likely to quit smoking for good.

“That’s why one’s friends and family members can play a big part in helping one to become smoke-free,” she said.

Lim-Choong also received sponsorship amounting to RM70,000 from four sponsors — Siemens Healthineers (RM25,000), Penang Irish Association (RM25,000), RK South Asia (RM10,000) and Boston Scientific (RM10,000).