Meet Abu Hurairah, one of the climbers for Max Global Experience - Mount Kinabalu Climb this July. Together with other climbers and cancer survivors, they are raising funds to help people to face their cancer diagnosis with dignity and hope in Malaysia.
Being diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia since 2006 doesn't stop him from living a healthy and active lifestyle. His favorite outdoor activities include jogging, cycling, and climbing. His way of life challenges the stigma that always traps most of the cancer survivors: They will not be able to live an active life.
I want to know more about this courageous soul, I believe all of you feel the same too. What drives him to try his best to live a normal life?
The moment I was diagnosed with CML in 2006 I say to myself that I need to be strong in overcoming this fear and stigma as everyone knows that cancer is always term as a killer disease. I set myself with a target that with God willing I should be able to go through this survival journey for at least 10 years. My main emotional support had been from my wife and children. Now I am well above the 10 years target. My inspiration has always been to be with my family and to see my children grow and complete their education so that each one of them would no longer be dependent on me. I'm now devoting my time more with my family and this bonding had given me the added inspiration to fight CML and live a normal life.
Not only that, he has reached the peak of Mount Kinabalu in 2010. He recalled his first climb was very challenging. That does not deter him from climbing Mount Kinabalu again this July. His second climb expresses his commitment to working together to help other cancer survivors.
This will be my second climb to Mt Kinabalu. First, this climb will be a fundraising campaign organized by The Max Foundation to raise fund to support cancer patients in Malaysia and I am honored to do my part. Secondly, the climb is to provide inspirational and emotional support to all cancer patients and survivors that you can live a normal life just like anyone else. You can do anything you feel like doing. It's the mind that matters.
To climb the mountain you need to be mentally and physically prepared. Along the way, there may be obstacles faced such as fatigue and leg cramps. The height is about 4092 meters. The weather can be very cold and you may also face with height sickness. So you may or may not succeed and reach the peak if you don't manage your journey well.
We all know the fight of stigma revolves around cancer is not over. It can be harder than the climb and it needs to continue. Donate to Abu Hurairah today to support his meaningful climb!
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