Cancer Story - Mrs. Siu
Mrs. Siu, Man Yee and family and friends at Maggie's.
Being a parent is not an easy task, let alone being a mother of a child with cancer. “I was shocked and devastated,” said Mrs. Siu as she recalled when her daughter, Man Yee, was diagnosed with terminal colorectal cancer in June 2014.
Neither Mrs. Siu nor Man Yee, who was only 39 years old at the time, was prepared for the “Big C”, the treatments, and roller coaster of emotions that followed. “My world turned upside down”, said Mrs. Siu. “I had no idea what to do or where to go. I knew that there were places for cancer patients, but the thought of being in a place filled with sick people was intimidating. Maggie’s Centre was completely different.”
Instead of walking into a gloomy, institutional or office-like place filled with sadness and anxiety, what Mrs. Siu and Man Yee saw at Maggie’s Centre was a welcoming, comfortable and uplifting environment filled with warmth, laughter, and at the same time, calmness and tranquility. “Walking into Maggie’s and meeting the staff and people there was like being welcomed into a home and big family. I was so glad that Man Yee had a chance to participate in programmes like Maggie’s Choir and nutrition classes, and meet and share her feelings with people in similar situations. I also felt relieved to be able to share my stress and worries with the caring and supportive staff”, described Mrs. Siu.
“Maggie’s Centre really feels like a home. It’s a place filled with sunshine. That’s why we wished to celebrate her 40th birthday here, to also say goodbye when her condition turned critical,” said Mrs. Siu. 50 friends and family members joined Man Yee to celebrate her life and courage in March 2015. It was a time filled with gratefulness, joy, and peace, leaving beautiful memories for everyone.
Man Yee passed away peacefully 5 days later. When asked about how Mrs. Siu feels now, she very quickly said, “I will never forget Man Yee’s happy face whenever she visited Maggie’s. And I feel well supported and at peace. Thank you, Maggie’s,” said Mrs. Siu, who continues to come to the Centre for support in adjusting to the change in her life.