BY JOY FANG
ANGUISH and disappointment.
These words best describe the feelings of Miss Lee Soh Hong, a
Reader's Digest Everyday Hero in 2002 and founder of well-known
website Cancerstory.com. Miss Lee's father died in October after
contracting six different antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or
superbugs, during his hospital stay. He had gone in complaining of a
slight fever and abdominal pain.
Miss Lee, 46, was devastated by his sudden death: "I cry
occasionally. It pains me to think about it. I lost a lot of weight
as well - about 10kg."
She is now so drained that she will abandon her website - started
after her mother died of colon cancer nine years ago - and end her
role as a volunteer and advocate of patients' rights after the
launch of a book on Jan 9. The website will be left dormant.
The eight-year-old site had served as a guide to caregivers and
patients, empowering them and giving tips on how to cope with
cancer. It also had motivational survival stories.
"I know my limitations, and I don't have the strength and
willpower to carry on with this project," she said tiredly.
Still, she is going out with one last hurrah. Her book, What
Killed My Dad? Reflections On How To Make Your Hospital Stay Safer,
speaks of her father's experience and suggests ways to improve
hospital care. "There are many things that can be changed to improve
patient safety," she said.
She will print 100 copies of her book. A free electronic version
will be posted on the website. Interested parties can buy a hard
copy of it for $18.
Supporters have urged her to change her mind and continue the
website - without success. Miss Lee's mentor, Mr David Row, is one
of them.
The 75-year-old retired school teacher has been a hospice
volunteer for 22 years, and advises her on matters concerning
terminal illnesses. He said: "It's a natural reaction in her current
emotional state to want to give up, but I told her to hold on. A lot
of people go to her website for help."
But she is unmoved. "I have to be fair to myself. When it's time
for you to let go, you should let go. I have no regrets because I've
given back to society," she said.
Asked about her aunt's decision, co-founder of the website Amelia
Kang, 32, said: "I fully support my aunt. We feel we have
contributed what we can."
However, Miss Lee does not rule out the possibility of returning.
"The day I feel that I have something to offer, I might come back,"
she said.
|