Cancer is a battle no child should face, yet every year, countless young warriors fight against it, emerging stronger, braver, and more resilient.
At the 11th Cancer Survivor Camp 2024, organised by the Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA), several childhood cancer survivors shared their incredible journeys of survival, resilience, and hope.
From the Philippines to Singapore, these young survivors, alongside their families and the dedicated supporters at the camp, proved that even in the darkest times, hope shines brightly.
The camp, held virtually this year, attracted participants from across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Mongolia, and Indonesia. It was a gathering not just of survivors, but of shared experiences, mutual support, and most importantly, the power of community.
These brave individuals offered inspiring words, shedding light on the challenges they faced, the strength they found within themselves, and the support they received from loved ones and organisations like the Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF).
For 16-year-old Yasmine Lynn from Singapore, her battle with liver cancer began at just five years old, a time when most children are excited about starting school.
“In 2014, I was diagnosed with liver cancer right before I was supposed to enter primary school,” she recalled during her interview.
A RESILIENT PATH
“I had to stop schooling and undergo treatment for a whole year. After that, I went to a specialised school before returning to regular school at the age of seven.”
Yasmine’s parents initially tried to shield her from the severity of her diagnosis, telling her only that she was “a bit sick”. But as time passed, the reality set in.
“I slowly found out, and it didn’t hit me until I went to the specialised school,” she shared.
“I was really scared, especially because I had a very good friend I met during my cancer journey, and I lost him.”
Though Yasmine’s journey was tough, she never faced it alone.
“I relied a lot on my mum and the other friends from CCF. Alhamdulillah, I survived and I’m still here,” she said. The person who helped her stay positive through it all was her older sister.
“She’s my best friend. She was the only one who could make me cheerful again and play like a normal kid,” Yasmine smiled. Yasmine’s treatments included several surgeries and the toll of chemotherapy, which left her with some physical challenges.
“Chemotherapy affected my hearing, so I can’t hear high-pitched sounds in music anymore,” she explained. “When I play the piano now, I have to ask my friends if I’m hitting the right notes.”
But despite the difficulties, Yasmine’s message to others is one of perseverance and hope.
“You are never alone in this fight,” she said. “You have your family, your friends, your faith. As long as you have faith in yourself, in Allah the Almighty, and in the love of your family, everything will get better. Insya Allah.”
Now, nine years cancer-free, Yasmine is focused on her future.
“I’m in secondary school now, and soon I’ll be heading to junior college. I want to become a family lawyer in the government because my dad inspired me a lot. He’s a civil servant, and I want to give back to the government for all the support they’ve given me.”
POWER OF FAITH AND FAMILY
Maynard Darang, a young survivor from the Philippines, shared his own heart-wrenching story of survival. Diagnosed with leukaemia at just seven years old, Maynard’s world turned upside down.
“When I found out, I was so sad, and my family was shocked. We didn’t know what to do, and I didn’t know if I could survive,” he recalled. “But I told myself, ‘I will fight. I can do this’.”
From ages seven to 10, Maynard underwent a gruelling regimen of chemotherapy, bone marrow treatment, and monthly spinal cord treatments. He remembers it all too vividly. “It was very hard. I even went into a coma for a week. I couldn’t believe I’m here now, alive and well.”
One of the most significant sources of strength for Maynard during his battle was his father, who was there every step of the way.
“My dad was always by my side, bringing me to treatment. The clinic was two hours away from our home, and we’d leave at 7am and return by 10pm. It was exhausting, but he never complained. He did it because he knew it was for me.”
Today, Maynard is cancer-free and filled with gratitude.
“I want to be a businessman in the future, so I can use my money to help other cancer patients,” he said. His words for those still fighting are powerful: “Continue your battle no matter what happens. Believe in yourself, in your hope, and your faith. Childhood cancer is curable – I am living proof of that.”
POWER OF SUPPORT
Both Yasmine and Maynard credited much of their strength to the support they received from their families, the medical teams, and the wider cancer community. Yasmine spoke fondly of the support network she found through CCF, particularly during her time in a specialised school.
“CCF helped me so much, and it was through them that I met many friends who were also cancer survivors. We were all in the same battle, and we understood each other. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone.”
Maynard, too, highlighted the role of his support system, particularly The Cancer Warrior Foundation, which provided him with free chemotherapy treatments.
“I am very grateful to the foundation for all the help they gave me. It’s because of them that I’m here today.”
The 11th Cancer Survivor Camp 2024 celebrated life, resilience, and hope. Yasmine and Maynard’s inspiring stories highlight the power of faith, family, and love.
Their message is clear: childhood cancer is not a death sentence but a challenge that can be overcome with determination. For those still fighting, their journeys stand as a beacon of hope, proving brighter days are ahead. – James Kon
