Pink Haven offers comfort and support to breast cancer patients in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: The Pink Haven provides dignity, comfort and reassurance to breast cancer patients and their caregivers, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

"For patients travelling from rural communities and other parts of Sabah to Kota Kinabalu for treatment, the journey can be physically exhausting, emotionally difficult and financially draining.

"Patients and caregivers may have to spend time away from their homes and families while coping with the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.

"It is a 'home away from home' that helps ease the burden of travelling for care," he said in a speech delivered at the launch of the centre established by Sabah Kinabalu Pink Ribbon (SKPR).

Assistant Minister of Women, Health and Community Wellbeing Datuk Rina Jainal delivered the speech on behalf of the chief minister.

Hajiji said the state government recognised the value of initiatives such as The Pink Haven and the importance of working with healthcare institutions, community organisations, donors and volunteers to support people affected by cancer.

He said he was pleased that the RM300,000 allocation he approved two years ago had helped bring the initiative into operation and was being put to good use.

He said that since its establishment in 2010, SKPR had raised awareness of breast cancer, supported patients and survivors, and helped families and communities better understand the importance of standing alongside those affected.

"With The Pink Haven, SKPR takes its work a step further by turning compassion into practical support," he said.

Hajiji also acknowledged the vision of SKPR founder and patron Datin Lucilla Pang, whose experience as a breast cancer survivor helped inspire the establishment of the organisation.