KOTA KINABALU: Lower-income families, caretakers and cancer patients who had to pay extra for accommodation during their treatment period here can now have their burdens slightly eased with the launch of the second Pink Haven house.
This house, an initiative of Sabah Kinabalu Pink Ribbon (SKPR), an association that supports cancer patients and caregivers, is a home that allows needy patients and their caretakers to stay for free while undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments.
According to Pink Haven Centre records, the first home at Taman Prima Jaya has housed 44 patients from 2021 up to this year, while the new home at Taman Seputeh has taken in 14 patients from July 16 to date.
These houses allow up to three patients to live, cook and stay comfortably throughout the duration of their cancer treatment per house, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Some travel from various districts and locations across Sabah and Labuan, including Sandakan, Tawau, Keningau, Kota Belud, Ranau and Pitas, to receive treatment.
When officiating Pink Haven Taman Seputeh on Saturday (Oct 31), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor lauded the initiative, saying that the journey for patients travelling from rural communities and other parts of Sabah to Kota Kinabalu can be financially draining.
More so, it can be physically and emotionally exhausting, he said, pointing out that patients and caregivers may have to spend time away from their homes and families while coping with the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.
"It is a 'home away from home' that helps ease the burden of travelling for care. More than a building, it offers dignity, comfort and the reassurance that no one has to face this journey alone," he said.
Hajiji's speech was delivered by State Assistant Minister of Women, Health and Community Wellbeing Datuk Rina Jainal.
He said the state government recognised the value of initiatives such as Pink Haven and the importance of working with healthcare institutions, community organisations, donors and volunteers to support people affected by cancer.
He was glad to see that the RM300,000 funding he approved two years ago has helped bring this initiative into operation and is being put to good use.
Hajiji said that since its establishment in 2010, SKPR has raised breast cancer awareness, supported patients and survivors, and helped families and communities better understand the importance of standing alongside those affected.
"With Pink Haven, SKPR takes its work a step further by turning compassion into practical support," he said, while putting on record his recognition of the vision of SKPR patron and founder Lucilla Pang, a breast cancer survivor who helped inspire the establishment of the association.
"Let us continue to work together - government, healthcare providers, community organisations, businesses and the public - to ensure that those affected receive not only medical care, but also the practical and emotional support they need," he said.
