A New Lease of Life

Kate Wong, 67

One look at this lady, who has short, spiky red hair and a lively demeanor, you may not have expected she was once a “victim” of breast cancer.

A strong-faith woman who lives on her own, with only a brother in Singapore and the rest of her family overseas, Kate is the epitome of an independent woman.

She developed stage one cancer at the age of 60, which has changed her outlook on life ever since. A self-confessed workaholic, she hardly had time for herself when she was a school principal. Being diagnosed with breast cancer was a ‘wake-up call’for her. She threw everything into God’s hands and believed that he had plans for her and ‘everything happened for a reason’. Realizing that health was much more important than career and money, she quitted her job as a school principal and put an end to her stressful life.

The most difficult part of chemotherapy for Kate was losing her hair. “I am very vain! So it was so difficult to part with my hair”, she exclaimed.

Despite going through so much, she still maintained a positive outlook of life. Joining BCF, she met other members who gave her hope and support and now they are bonded ‘like a close knitted family’! Kate used to lead an unhealthy lifestyle, but after the experience, she became more active and picked up sports such as swimming, which she had never done before.

Other than going to the gym and swimming regularly, Kate is also a member of the Pink Paddlers. For a 67 year old lady, being involved in dragon boat for 5 years and travelling all over the world for competitions is definitely worthy of praise! Other than dragon boating, she is involved in activities such as line dancing and yoga lessons. Kate is also a BCF’s counselor who shares her experiences and knowledge with those who needed help.

One of Kate’s favorite hobbies is gardening. Her plants (which she affectionately calls ‘her babies’) are a source of hope for her as they inspire her to continue living life to the fullest - “A withering plant when watered will be revived again.”

Not known to many, Kate posed topless for an article in ‘Her World’ titled ‘Woman Who Dares’ and ‘Mind your body’ after her surgery last October. “I did it because I wanted to show to the world that even if I lose my breast, I am still the same Kate. I am very proud that I have the courage to do it and in doing so, helped to increase breast cancer awareness”.

This speaks volumes of a courageous woman who indeed deserves our utmost respect!