S1E69: 69| Tap Cancer Out

Hong Kong Confidential

Emily Lola Tan has Leukemia. She shares her story whilst also raising awareness of the importance of bone marrow donations for Leukemia suffers- especially Asian people as they don’t seem to register as bone marrow donors as much as people in other countries. Finding a bone marrow match will significantly increase Emily’s chances of survival and she is on a mission to raise awareness for all Leukemia patients. We discuss why it is better for her to stay in Hong Kong to find a bone marrow match and we explore the lack of public awareness surrounding blood cancers as opposed to other more publicised cancers. Emily explains how she first discovered that she has Leukemia when she was travelling in Europe and how the diagnosis has changed her outlook on life. She shares her deepest secrets from her past where, as a teen, she was raped by her boyfriend and later, unable to cope with the shame and the guilt, attempted suicide. This is a heart wrenching disclosure that will impact all who listen. Emily goes on to explain how these dark times helped her to become the resilient fighter that she is today as she faces the greatest battle of her life with courage, resilience and determination. At times, Emily loses hope but for the most part she is hopeful, positive and good humoured throughout this life changing journey. She explains how it takes strength to expose her vulnerabilities and how she has developed some psychological hardiness along the way. She wants to educate young people about healthy relationships and consent as well as exploring notions of masculinity. However, her main goal is to raise awareness of blood cancer and bone marrow donations. She wants to make a positive impact on the world and she already is doing just that.

If you would like to donate to Emily’s funding page- a support group run by her friends for Emily Lola Tan's quest to 100% recover from cancer. Please click this link. https://www.facebook.com/groups/CaringForEmilyLolaTan/?ref=br_rs

If you want to donate bone marrow in Hong Kong- Please click on this link https://www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/enarticle.asp?bid=56&MenuID=6#.XBXZtjG-m7Q

or please find the bone marrow donation registry in your area.

Warning: Some of the issues covered in this podcast may be distressing to some listeners. Topics discussed are cancer, rape, suicide and death. If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area.

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