Cover “The more survivors come forward, the better,” says Patron of the Breast Cancer Welfare Association of Malaysia, Puan Sri Akmal Abdul Salam (Photo: Fady Younis)
“The more survivors come forward, the better,” says Patron of the Breast Cancer Welfare Association of Malaysia, Puan Sri Akmal Abdul Salam (Photo: Fady Younis)
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“The more survivors come forward, the better,” says Patron of the Breast Cancer Welfare Association of Malaysia, Puan Sri Akmal Abdul Salam
When it comes to charity work, Puan Sri Akmal Abdul Salam does not do anything halfway. A woman who has dedicated much of her adult life to philanthropic efforts, Akmal first turned her attention to the fight against breast cancer when she was chairman of DRB Hicom’s charitable arm, Puteri DRB Hicom. Determined to steer its CSR efforts towards a cause that would uplift women, she came across the work done by the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA).
Read more: A journey of resilience with BCWA president Lim Kim Foong
Determined to use her platform and influence to help raise awareness of early detection for breast cancer, Akmal’s first project with BCWA was a glitzy charity batik fashion show held at the Kuala Lumpur Tower, where good friends of hers walked the runway and Malaysian royals were in attendance.
From that point on, Akmal has not looked back. In 2005, Akmal was first appointed patron of this incredible organisation that has provided peer support to women with breast cancer in Malaysia.
Above Puan Sri Akmal was appointed patron of BCWA in 2005
Puan Sri Akmal was appointed patron of BCWA in 2005
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“What happens to a woman when she has breast cancer?” Akmal says with emotion. “Women are the pillar in every family. When she gets breast cancer, the whole family system changes drastically. It’s a terrible burden to bear. You have to take care of yourself and your mental wellness, but you are also wondering how you’re going to get the kids to school, take care of your elderly parents, ensure your husband can go to work, and so on.
She continues: “I have always felt that something more had to be done to ensure that these women can live their lives on as normal as possible, without having that stigma that their life is over [because of a breast cancer diagnosis]. That is why I was so drawn to BCWA.”
See also: How Isabel Galiano survived breast cancer twice and is now supporting others as a cancer coach
Akmal drives home the importance of early detection in breast cancer survival, applauding BCWA screening initiatives such as the MURNI Mobile Clinic, where clinical breast examinations are carried out nationwide in inflatable clinics or private spaces on the premises of host organisations. Under Akmal’s patronage, BCWA’s thriving subdivisions consist of the Pink Melody choir team, the Pink Power bowling team, and a group known as ‘Thimble Thumbs’, comprising a group of needle-savvy survivors who sew anything from microwave pot holders to temporary breast prostheses to give out to patients who have just had breast surgery.
Below, Akmal shares her heartfelt thoughts to breast cancer survivors in honour of Pink October, the growing challenges of fundraising and the ‘why’ behind what she does.
You'll soon hit your 10-year mark as a BCWA patron. How has your leadership approach changed by being part of this community and working with all these inspiring ladies?
What I told Ranjit Kaur (former BCWA president) when she first asked me to become patron was, “Ran, if you want me to become the patron, just know that I am not just a person who stands and cuts ribbons. I’m not there for the formality of it. I want to be able to join you all in what you’re doing.
The team at BCWA, the survivors, are the ones who work so hard and have so much energy despite their condition. When I feel down, I look to them. There is so much impact when you talk to somebody who has been in your shoes after you’ve just been diagnosed.
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Has the stigma and fear around breast cancer changed in the past few years?
I think before this, not many survivors wanted to come forward and talk about their experience. BCWA today is on the right path and is active because of the number of breast cancer survivors who come in to work together. We would love to have more and more survivors come in, share their experiences, and tell the wider community the message that if you have breast cancer, do not give up. Talk to them. They will share what you need to know. The more survivors come forward, the better it is to spread awareness. With limited resources, we cannot reach everyone, so having that community is very important
Speaking of limited resources, how do you approach the struggle of making the most impact with limited means when it comes to BCWA?
Good question. Nothing moves without money. One thing about the Malaysian public is that they are so supportive. Whenever we want to sell tables for fundraising dinners, they come forward to support us. We also work to secure corporate partnerships to help sustain our activities. When I first started working with BCWA, most companies had a CSR budget which made them easier to approach. In today’s economic climate, things are harder. That said, companies like Estee Lauder have been instrumental in supporting breast cancer causes for years now.
Any message of encouragement for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer?
You’ve got to go on. Follow through with all your treatments. Live your life to the fullest that you can. You have to take care of yourself to make sure that you are alright enough to take care of everybody else.
Credits
Photography: Fady Younis
Location: Villamay Shah Alam
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
