CanSurvive 2005 – Rebuilding Faith, Restoring Hope

By Peter Tang, cancer survivor

It was a privilege for me to a committee member of CanSurvive 2005 and also as a participant. CanSurvive is a one-day outward-bound programme for cancer survivors, their family and friends. It was a day for self-discovery, family bonding, making new friends and catching up with the old. This special event held was on 5th June at SparkC@Marine Parade to commemorate World Cancer Survivors Day which falls on 6 June every year.

The event saw a successful turnout of more than 40 participants, including volunteers who are doctors, nurses, counsellors, our family members and friends. I had the opportunity to meet other survivors from different occupations, ages, and backgrounds, all undaunted by the challenges that laid ahead in the obstacle courses we were to embark upon. Our spirits were high and our energy radiated as bright as the sun that shone on our backs that day.

Challenging the Challenge Ropes

Looking up at 3 pieces of ropes suspended more than 3m above ground, tied parallel to wooden beams were enough to make my knees wobble and my pulse race. I was nervous even before I started. My palms were sweaty and my blood pressure must have reached a record high. To top it all, I am afraid of heights. I saw FEAR staring at me.

Casting all these feelings aside, I urged myself to be the first to attempt the ropes, as any hesitation would mean more indecisiveness and nervousness. Prolonging the agony. I convinced myself to have faith in my body and to confront fear squarely in the face.

To negotiate the obstacle, I had to balance my feet on 2 pieces of ropes while my hands held on to a balance ball that dangled down from the other piece of rope tied above my head. When I finally completed the 3-part obstacle, I was elated and felt on top of the world – a sense of accomplishment, washed over me. I exercised decisiveness and emerged victorious. It was a wonderful learning experience.

Making Sense of the Experience

The debriefing session chaired by Peifen, a medical social worker, was useful. Although all participants were strangers at first, somehow we connected with each other experientially, emotionally and spiritually. We felt “at home” with each other. I am cancer survivor of more than 13 years. I have walked that path. I can understand their struggles, fears and frustrations. It was a deep connection that went beyond age and gender.

A chinese proverb said “Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” CanSurvive has allowed us to light up our own candle and reach out to other survivors. A survivor mentoring another survivor, a survivor lending hope to another, a survivor offering a shoulder to another.

In short, it was a field day for this family of survivors. Everyone looked good, confident and beaming with life and enthusiasm.

Now who said Cancer is a Death Sentence

“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes -