Press Release: National Cancer Society Malaysia Launches Relay For Life KL 2012

Kuala Lumpur, 4 September– Relay For Life Malaysia – KL 2012 (RFL KL 2012) has arrived at the shores of KL for the sixth consecutive year since its inaugural debut in 2007. This year, the relay which is the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM)’s main fundraising event will take place once again at Stadium UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi from the 13th to the 14th of October, 2012.

RFL, is an overnight, community-based event to celebrate cancer survivorship and raise funds forNCSM’s cancer awareness projects. The RFL Malaysia series took off successfully in Melaka and Penang in June and will finally end in KL this October.RFL will be celebrating its 28th worldwide anniversary in 2012 while RFL Malaysia will have its 6thyear celebration.

The funds raised through RFL are aimed to support NCSM’s community outreach programmesin rural areas where communities are provided with free screening services and cancer education. Besides that, NCSM’s objective is also to attract youths to participate and sign up as volunteers. Hopefully, they will be advocates to spread cancer awareness to the public through traditional and social media.

“We are glad that many young volunteers and students have come on board this year as we hope to reach out to the younger generation. We are looking to bring in students as volunteers to spread cancer awareness,” says Dato’ Zuraidah Atan, Chairperson of RFL Malaysia 2012 and Honorary Adviser for NCSM.

The proceeds received from RFL KL 2012 will be channeled towards running of the Helpdesk as part of a support system for cancer patients and caregivers. Besides that, it will also be for subsidised radiotherapy treatment at the Cancer Treatment Centre, NCSM and subsidised accommodation at the Children’s Home of Hope. RFL KL 2012 hopes to garner in about RM400, 000 from sponsorships, donations and registrations.

Last year’s RFLs attracted about 7,000 people. This year, NCSM hopes to engage about 10,000 participants in total for all 3 venues to show their unity in the fight against cancer.

“NCSM hopes to change people’s perception that cancer is a taboo through RFL. We want to show the other side of cancer which comprises determination, strength and hope. RFL is an avenue where each cancer survivor’s life is honored andcelebratedas we find inspiration in their strength and perseverance. Those lost to cancer will always be remembered and we hope that one day cancer will be eliminated,” explains Dato’ Zuraidah Atan.

In Malaysia, cancer is the leading cause of death among medically certified deaths. 1 in 4 Malaysians have a lifetime risk of developing cancer whereby the majority of patients are found at the later stage of the disease. The good news is that experts estimate that approximately 1/3 of cancers are potentially preventable. NCSM believes that this can be achieved through educating one’s self on cancer, being more aware of the body and doing regular screenings, as well as adopting a healthy lifestyle.

RFL starts with the Survivors’ Lap, a testimony to the fact that so many people today are surviving cancer. Cancer survivors from the community walk the first lap around the track to celebrate their victories while everyone cheers them on. The main aim of this event is that the track should not be devoid of people throughout the 16 hours.

The most inspirational time of Relay is the Luminaria Ceremony which happens at dusk when cancer survivors are honoured and those who have lost their battle with the disease are remembered. A Luminaria is a small bag with sand in it and a small candle or tea light. After sunset, all the Luminarias are lit and remain lit throughout the night to light the way for the walkers and to create a path of hope.

RFL KL hopes to attract people from all walks of life especially the students and the younger generation to show their unity against cancer. NCSM believes that awareness created at a young age plays amajor role in preventing cancer later in life.



RFL KL is supported by Brother International, Murphy Oil, Spritzer, Giant, Astro, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Sabah Tea, our official time keeper for RFL KL 2012, Timberland Watches and other contributors as well as our survivors, volunteers and members of the media. NCSM would also like to thank Bangsar Shopping Centre for being our venue sponsor for today’s event and The Dome for sponsoring the food and beverages.

For further updates on RFL, call 03- 2698 7300 or visit www.relayforlifemalaysia.com our facebook page: Relay For Life Malaysia and National Cancer Society Malaysia our Twitter at cancermalaysia.