A GROUP of cancer survivors, turned vendors for the day, sold homemade delicacies, handcrafted items, plants and artworks at a flea market organised by Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) on its premises.
Called the Survivor Fest Charity Market, the initiative provided them with an opportunity to help others by raising funds. Thus far, it has surpassed its RM15,000 target for its Cancer Charity Fund.
The beauty of the event today was that many of the cancer survivors, some of whom are still undergoing treatment, showed great enthusiasm and remarkable courage as they sold their wares.
The presence of PAH chief executive officer Albin Phua, consultant medical oncologist Dr Ang Soo Fan, consultant medical and breast oncologist Dr Kiley Loh Wei-Jen, consultant clinical oncologist Dr Fabian Lee Wei Luen, Charity Department’s assistant manager Evon Lau and other hospital staff members added a special touch to the event.
Beyond providing medical care, they took time to visit the stalls, interact with survivors and celebrate their efforts. It was a simple yet powerful reminder that healing extends beyond treatment rooms; it continues through relationships, encouragement and community support.
“Thanks to the efforts of the cancer survivors, this event is to raise funds for the hospital’s Cancer Charity Fund. We have already surpassed the target of RM15,000 and may reach around RM20,000,” said Phua.
“We want to thank the patients, contributors, volunteers and the public for coming to support this charity.
“Although this charity market may be small in scale, it brings everyone together for a shared mission to make a difference.”
He later presented certificates of appreciation to all the vendors.
Throughout the day, the market was filled with meaningful conversations. Visitors stopped not only to purchase food and handmade items, but also to exchange words of encouragement and celebrate the resilience of those who had faced cancer firsthand.
“By coming together, we remind one another that no one has to face the recovery journey alone. We create a community of hope,” said Shakinah Jamaldin, a staff member and volunteer at a stall selling handwoven upcycled sachet bags.
Each of the 14 stalls had its own story to share — of uncertainty, fear and the challenges the survivors had faced.
One survivor, Ong Siew Choo, 62, participated in the charity market together with her husband, Wong Hoon Cheow, 66, selling headbands, costume jewellery, bags, hair accessories and potted plants, some of which were donated by friends.
“I’m here because I want to give back to the community,” she said.
Diagnosed with lung, breast, liver and bone cancer six years ago, Ong said she had to stop working as an administrative executive in 2021. She is still undergoing treatment, receiving chemotherapy once every two weeks.
Another survivor, Wong Kam Foong, 67, also received support from friends who provided her with costume jewellery to sell. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.
“Given six months to live because my cancer was in the fourth stage, I thank God that this is now my fourth year of survival. That is why my booth’s banner reads ‘The Blessed One,” she said.
More than a fundraising event, the charity market was a celebration of resilience, gratitude and the indomitable spirit of the survivors. In choosing to give back, they reminded everyone present that cancer is not the end of the story, as there is still hope and purpose to be shared.
Story and pix by K.H. Ong
