TWO hotels in Malaysia have continued their long-standing tradition of supporting cancer research by raising RM89,520 through this year’s Terry Fox Run series.
With an event each in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi, the fundraiser drew over 1,350 participants comprising guests, staff and the public to honour the legacy of Canadian cancer activist Terry Fox.
Proceeds were channelled to independent, non-profit organisation Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY).
Set up in 2000, CRMY focuses on researching common cancers among Malaysians and the wider Asian population.
Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur general manager Simon Barnett said they were determined to make a difference in the fight against cancer.
He said Four Seasons founder Isadore Sharp worked with many sponsors to host the first Terry Fox Run in 1981, drawing more than 300,000 participants.
“Today, more than 12,000 Terry Fox Runs take place across the globe supported by Four Seasons in various locations.
“Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur has held three runs, while Four Seasons Resort Langkawi has had two,” Barnett said before presenting a mock cheque to CRMY chief executive officer Andy Khoo Boo Teik in Kuala Lumpur.
The event was attended by Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur community relations director Datuk Rosemarie Wee and Four Season Resort Langkawi general manager Ivan Giles.
Meanwhile, Khoo said breast and nasopharyngeal cancers were among the most common yet under-researched types in Malaysia.
“We study the DNA of Malay, Chinese and Indian populations, as cancer is influenced by a person’s genetic makeup.
“The research is sometimes limited due to the lack of funds,” he said.
Region-specific studies, he said, were vital to better understand how cancer behaves and to develop more effective as well as personalised treatments.
Fox launched a cross-Canada run in 1980 to raise funds for cancer research despite having lost a leg to the disease.
He passed away in 1981 at the age of 22.
The event has since grown into one of the largest one-day charity event worldwide with strong corporate and community support.
