NOVEMBER, 2019 | The HEALTH
WOMEN
Hair for hope
Being on
the other side
A teacher’s support that made a diff erence
IF YOU have been following The
Health for the past few months,
you would be familiar with the
Cancer Moonshot section. It
is where we interview cancer
survivors and patients. However,
this time we are mixing things up.
We spoke to Dr Bamini
KPD Balakrishnan, the head of
Marketing programme offered
at the Faculty of Business,
Economics and Accountancy in
University Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
This lecturer made headlines
when she took up the role of a
caregiver to show solidarity and
support for her student who is a
cancer patient.
Bone cancer
starts when a
tumor forms
in a bone. It
usually begins
in one of the
long ones
in your arm
or leg. As it
grows, it kills
normal bone
cells and may
spread to
other parts of
your body.
Image 3
T
eACHers have the amazing power
to change their students’ lives for
the better with their passion and
sincerity.
some of them even go the extra
mile off ering love and support in
times of need, much like a teacher we talked
with recently who was on her student’s side
in the battle against cancer.
Dr Bamini KPD Balakrishnan, a senior
lecturer at University Malaysia sabah (UMs)
Business, economics and Accountancy Fac-
ulty, did a very special thing in support for
one of her students. Bamini’s caregiver duties
kicked in when her 20-year-old student,
richelle Hii Hua yin, was diagnosed with
stage Th ree bone cancer in February this year.
on July 11, she decided to show richelle
she would always be there for her, leading
Bamini to shave her head bald.
A lecturer and caregiver
“It is my form of empathy. I wanted to
empower her, I wanted to let her know she can
be strong and it’s okay to be without hair, it’s
okay to feel vulnerable. We are still beautiful
even without hair. I told her that I wanted to
go on this journey with her.”
Bamini sent richelle a picture of her freshly
bald head at the salon, reducing richelle to
tears. Bamini was even more grateful because
the hairstylist who shaved her head refused
to accept money when she discovered her
reason.
“Th e salon was close to the hospital so
patients undergoing chemotherapy would
come in to shave their heads, so she would
shave them for free. Th e hairstylist would tell
them to come back once they are healthy so
that she can give them a new hair makeover.”
Bamini’s act did not go unnoticed. UMs
was also very supportive of her actions and
were very understanding. According to her,
whenever her dean knows she will be going to
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What is a caregiver?
In most cases, theprimary
caregiver for a patient with a
severe condition would bea
spouse, partner, parent, or
offspring. However, when family
is not around, close friends,
co-workers, or neighbours may
fi ll the role. The caregiver has
a key role in the patient’s care.
Bamini became a caregiver for
her student when she couldn’t get
support elsewhere.
Here’s her story.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer
in women, aff ecting billions worldwide.
Bone cancer on the other hand, is rare,
making up less than one per cent of all
cancers.
the hospital to visit richelle, he would come
along.
Showing her support
Bamini’s caregiver duties did not just stop
there. she went and spoke to each of richelle’s
lecturers and explained her condition. she
also ensures that richelle’s group members
would help her out with her assignments.
Additionally, Bamini also makes a point to
call her on a weekly basis.
richelle is s a bright and active student who
obtained excellent results in her fi rst semes-
ter, according to Bamini. she has a cumulative
grade point average (CGPA) of 3.6 and was
also a member of the Police Under graduate
voluntary Corp (suksis).
“What really touches my heart is how she
would constantly thank me. even though
she in such a tough situation, she is always
grateful.”
People often ask Bamini why she puts
herself through all that, and her answer is
always a simple one.
“I look at all my students as if they are my
own kids,” she smiles warmly.
The journey ahead
richelle’s orthopedic surgeon worries the
cancer might spread further, and that the only
way to lower that risk is to amputate richelle’s
aff ected leg.
“she keeps requesting the doctor to post-
pone the amputation. I do my best to comfort
Dr Bamini showed
love and support to
her student currently
fi ghting cancer with
a special haircut and
beyond.
HAIRSTYLED: Bamini visiting her student,
Richelle Hii Hua Yin (left) at Likas Hospital,
Kota Kinabalu after cutting her hair in
support for her treatment.
her but I advise her to take up the surgery as I
do not want the cancer to spread. It is indeed
a decision that takes a lot of mental strength.
But I will always be there to support her,”
Bamini says in absolution.
We pray for richelle’s continuous strength
as she braves through this trying time, and
hope she recovers fully. — Th e Health