From Pain to Purpose: A Lifelong Pledge
“Why me? What could I have done differently? Of all people, why was I singled out?”
These questions haunted me—just as they haunt every woman who hears the devastating words: “You have breast cancer.” As the most prevalent cancer threatening women’s health, it strikes without discrimination. Neither education nor social status offers protection. We all face the same storm of fear, anxiety, and vulnerability when mortality stares us in the face.
Such suffering leaves indelible scars. Yet through my pain emerged clarity: no woman should endure this battle alone. That realization became my pledge—my mission—to ensure every patient receives holistic support and compassionate care, to be the lifeline that keeps others from drowning in despair. This conviction has been my driving force ever since.
Breast cancer’s reach is global, and so is its impact on women. Yet stark disparities persist in awareness, treatment standards, and recovery resources worldwide. How do we bridge the gap between those who have walked this path and those just beginning their journey?
Since 2006, the Global Chinese Breast Cancer Organizations Alliance (GCBC) has worked tirelessly to answer that call—providing unwavering, compassionate support to patients without reservation. This is the fulfilment of my deepest commitment.
In 2016, I had the honour of leading GCBC to register as a non-profit charity headquartered in Hong Kong, becoming its first Chairperson. The following year, we launched our flagship initiative, the “Pink Angel Service”—a free, peer-support program where breast cancer survivors accompany newly diagnosed patients, offering guidance, empathy, and hope. Over the years, we’ve expanded to include a helpline, online support, dividual counselling and free medical consultations.
This service has been recognized with the Social Capital Builder Logo by the Hong Kong Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Champion for Good – Gold Award by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service—testaments to our impact.
But our work is far from over. Moving forward, we will broaden our reach, forge strategic alliances, and break down barriers to strengthen our global support network. Because in the fight against breast cancer, no woman should ever stand alone.