Fighting for Hope
Imagine standing in the middle of a relentless storm, the sheer force of the gale continually battering you down. That was what Karen Kuang’s life felt like in recent years – a series of non-stop blows.
While the rest of Singapore grappled with Covid-19 in 2020, Karen dealt with various health emergencies. In the short span of two years, her beloved mother passed from heart failure, her husband suffered a stroke while her father was diagnosed with stage four nose cancer. Barely a fortnight after her father’s diagnosis, Karen discovered she had Stage 1B cervical cancer.
To top it off, this series of unfortunate events came close on the heels of three miscarriages, one of which nearly cost Karen her life in 2018. “To say that all these were a lot to handle is an understatement,” she said.
But despite these setbacks, Karen remained undefeated, diligently seeking out the light. She recalled her late friend Joyce, who, despite battling Stage 4 cervical cancer, remained a pillar of strength. “She always said to me, ‘Do not worry about anything, instead, pray for everything.’”
Strength in Adversity
During her harrowing journey, Karen faced moments of inner conflict, torn between her roles as a caregiver for her loved ones and attending to her own health. Amid Covid-19 restrictions, this struggle intensified; she had to undergo surgery in isolation without her family. Additionally, she was unable to be there for her father during his treatments or provide care for him, exacerbating her feelings of hopelessness.
What buoyed her was a profound inner strength and her family’s support. Her husband drove her for her treatments, while her younger brother tended to her father. When doctors gave Karen the option to remove part of her womb, which would allow her to still have children, or to completely remove her reproductive organs, which would provide a better health outcome, she was initially conflicted. Her husband had always wanted kids.
However, her husband decisively said to the doctor: “Please save my wife first.” Prioritising Karen’s health, the couple opted for the second option, aiming for the best chance of recovery.
Road to Recovery
Karen credits the counselling she received from the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) for helping her to manage stress and build her resilience. In particular, her social worker Joan, motivated her to practice self-love and compassion.
The sessions also helped clarify her desire to help others in the same position. To that end, Karen has shared her story on social media and Project Lionheart, a Covid-19 initiative to celebrate everyday heroes in Singapore. She is especially passionate about advocating early cancer prevention through HPV vaccines and cervical screening.
In addition, Karen is training to be a patient ambassador with SCS so she can support other cancer patients. “Even if there is only one person I can help, I will help. Cancer is not a death sentence,” she declares.
For her strength, courage and resilience, Karen was recognised by Singhealth’s Inspirational Patient Award in 2023. But if there is one thing her cancer journey has taught her, it is the power of hope and gratitude. “I thank God every day for giving me a second chance at life,” she says.