Tea party in aid of cancer patients

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THE inaugural Jamuan Teh Malaysia (Malaysian Tea Party), took place at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur recently.

The event was modelled after Australia’s ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ that is held annually by the Australian Cancer Council.

Enjoying every second of it: Cancer survivors looking great (from left) Ang Siew Lang, Lynette Pincott, Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) president Ranjit Kaur, Babs Delaney, Ranbir Kaur and Florence Gan.

It was initiated by the Australian High Commission and the Malaysian Australian New Zealand Association (Manza).

The tea party was launched by Australia High Commissioner to Malaysia Penny Williams.

“Despite being inspired by the Australian tea party, this event is uniquely Malaysian. Of course, the key component is that invited guests must make a donation for the food and drinks, which will be forwarded to the National Cancer Society Malaysia and the Breast Cancer Welfare Association,” she said.

National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) honorary adviser Datuk Zuraidah Atan said: “NCSM offers a holistic range of services from cancer education, screening services, diagnostic and clinical centres as well as support and palliative care.”

NCSM is the oldest cancer society and was founded and led by Datuk Dr S.K Dharmalingam for 40 years.

NCSM has five centres, including Women’s Cancer Detection Centre, Children’s Home of Hope for children with cancer and Cancer Treatment Centre at Tong Shin hospital which provides radiation treatments at minimum or subsidised rates.

Cancer survivor and Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) president Ranjit Kaur said: “As you can see, we cancer survivors are a jolly lot! The fact we can lead a relatively normal life makes us appreciate each day even mor.”

BCWA is an independent, tax-exempt voluntary and self-help support group where breast cancer survivors use their experience to help other women recover from the same affliction.

They even help with non-medical aids like wigs and prosthesis.

At the fundraising event, Chef Wan donated 200 of his latest cookbook while fashion designer Carven Ong’s couture and Rafflesia’s jewels wowed the ladies.

Ong donated one gown to be auctioned which caused a sensation as the determined winner was Thomas Oja, a handsome, tall blonde model from Finland who jacked up each bid by RM1,000 against the ladies.

He won when everyone surrendered at RM9,000.

“I was bidding on behalf of Andrew Lim Tatt Keong the owner of Sogo who had to leave early! He wanted Carven’s gown for Sogo’s permanent collection,” said Oja.