Kota Kinabalu: Breast cancer patients from outside Kota Kinabalu who need accommodation while undergoing treatment can now benefit from Sabah Kinabalu Pink Ribbon’s (SKPR) transit home, The Pink Haven, in Taman Seputeh, Luyang.
Its President Yvonne Dumpangol said the home, which began operating in July this year, had accommodated 14 patients to date, most of whom came from outside the state capital, including Tawau and interior areas.
She said The Pink Haven was established to provide temporary accommodation for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, particularly those facing difficulties travelling long distances for treatment.
“We want to give other patients the opportunity to use the facility as well, so we limit each patient’s stay to a maximum of one month.
“Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can take time, and there are many other patients who also need accommodation. The home has three rooms, each equipped with two beds, and can accommodate up to three patients together with their respective caretakers at any one time,” she said.
Yvonne said this to reporters at the official opening of The Pink Haven by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor represented by Assistant Minister of Health, Women Development and People’s Wellbeing Datuk Rina Jainal at its premises here on Saturday.
Also present were Mutiara GRS (Pertubuhan Muafakat Titipan Amal Isteri Wakil Rakyat, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) Treasurer Datin Tracy Tan Mui Jee, representing the Chief Minister’s wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag who is also Chairperson of Mutiara GRS, Sabah Kinabalu Pink Ribbon (SPKR) President Yvonne Dumpangol, its patron and founder Datin Lucilla Pang and the SPKR executive committee.
Yvonne said SKPR had purchased the landed property for RM1.3 million, with RM300,000 contributed by the Sabah government and expressed appreciation to the Chief Minister Datuk Seri for the generous contribution towards the facility.
She said this achievement would not have been possible without the generosity and commitment of our donors, corporate partners, government agencies, NGOs, volunteers and friends of Sabah Kinabalu Pink Ribbon.
Located near Queen Elizabeth Hospital II and KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital, the home is equipped with basic facilities, including a kitchen and toilets, she added.
She said SKPR also provided emotional support through its patient support team to help the patients cope with the challenges of their treatment as well as emotional support and understanding.
“Apart from a place where they can rest, regain their strength and feel cared for, with support from SKPR during this difficult period. Where possible, we also offers comfort to caregivers who accompany them on their treatment journey.
“Although the home did not have doctors or nurses stationed there, SKPR had a panel of doctors and volunteers, including retired matrons and nurses, who could assist patients.
“We also planned to introduce additional support programmes, including talks on proper nutrition during treatment and light exercise activities for patients,” she said.
On transportation, Yvonne said patients currently have to arrange their own travel to the home and hospitals, although SKPR hoped to provide transportation assistance in the future.
She said The Pink Haven replaces SKPR’s previous transit home in Taman Prima Jaya, which had been made available rent-free by the developer.
However, Yvonne said SPKR had since moved its operations to the new property in Taman Seputeh, which was also conveniently located near the state capital and medical facilities.
Advice to women, she urged women to prioritise early detection and encouraged the public to support SKPR’s efforts to assist breast cancer patients, particularly those from rural areas and with limited financial means.
“SKPR continues to actively conduct breast cancer awareness talks throughout Sabah, including in Tawau, the interior, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Marudu and Kudat.
“We also want the public to know that there is now a home for women undergoing treatment. However, we need continued support from the public, government and private sector, not only to sustain the facility but also to help patients who cannot afford the expenses,” she said.
To a question, Yvonne said patients seeking accommodation at The Pink Haven must provide documents confirming that they are currently undergoing hospital treatment, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
“Applications and enquiries can be made through SKPR’s KPR Careline at 016-803 8553,” she said.
