The Pink Ribbon Wellness (L) Foundation conference on ‘Excellence in Breast Cancer Therapy and Support’ held from 10 to 12 August 2018 in Kuala Lumpur provided a unique platform for breast cancer survivors and care-givers to meet, discuss, share and connect in order to learn from experts and each other.
Pink Ribbon Founder and Chairman, Dato’ Dr. Devanand Mangharam, began his welcome address at the launch of the conference by thanking all the volunteers and specialists who worked hard to put the conference together.
He expressed his personal appreciation for the support given by Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Dr. Limkokwing and Limkokwing University, not only for helping to make the conference a reality, but also for producing video and music content for the Foundation’s awareness and fund-raising campaign.
“Over the years, through organising of many seminars and teaching sessions, and the past two major conferences, we have been able to bring together people with common knowledge, expertise and experiences to work together towards a common goal – which is to educate women on breast cancer, advocate regular screening and steps to reduce and eradicate cancer,” said Dato’ Dr. Devanand.
The sentiment was echoed by the guest of honour at the launching ceremony, Deputy Health Minister, YB Dr. Lee Boon Chye.
He was particularly impressed that the event was a collective effort involving individuals from diverse backgrounds – from medical practitioners and oncologists, to external partners, volunteers, patients and survivors.
“I would like to congratulate the organiser, Pink Ribbon Wellness Foundation for organising this conference that serves as a good purpose of reaching out and educating people on breast cancer,” he said.
Strong Hearts
The Limkokwing Goodwill Ambassadors were one of the highlights of the conference, mesmerizing the audience with their performance of the new theme song for the Foundation, entitled ‘Strong Heart.’
“What makes this song so special is that the lyrics were written by none other than Tan Sri Limkokwing himself,” said Dato’ Dr. Devanand.
He described Tan Sri Limkokwing as a down-to-earth person, a good listener and someone who is always warm and receiving.
Meanwhile, the Honorary CEO and Co-Founder of the Foundation, Ms. Yong Lee Lee, said she had ran out of words to describe the amount of appreciation she had for Tan Sri Limkokwing, for all his support and contributions.
“The first time when I watched the awareness video, I cried so loud because I know how it feels to be a cancer patient,” she said.
She also said the Limkokwing Goodwill Ambassadors made a huge difference at the event with their very touching performance.
Among the sessions covered on the first day were, ‘Advances in Breast Cancer Chemotherapy’ by Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Medical Director of Beacon International Specialist Centre, Dato’ Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Wahid, and ‘Advances in Hormonal Therapy and Newer Agents’ by Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Dr. Mastura Md. Yusof.
Mamma Mia 70’s night
On Saturday evening, a Pink Ribbon Charity Dinner was held to raise funds for the Foundation, with the theme ‘Mamma Mia.’
Once again, the Limkokwing Goodwill Ambassadors performed, singing the beautifully written song by Tan Sri Limkokwing, ‘Strong Heart’ which brought tears to many.
15 cancer survivors from various states across Malaysia participated in a lively Pageant, where they shared their stories of being diagnosed with cancer and how they fought through and came back stronger.
The ‘Tree of Hope’, which was initiated and designed by Limkokwing University, was also well-received by the crowd, with many notes dedicated to the outstanding cancer survivors.