"A Breath of Hope" Bubble Cruise Carnival Raises Funds to Support Lung Cancer Patients

Campaign attempted a Guinness World Records title for the Largest Soap Bubble Making Lesson to Mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month

HONG KONG,Nov. 18,2018 -- To mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month,"A Breath of Hope" Campaign and the Hong Kong Lung Cancer Study Group (HKLCSG) hosted their first Bubble Cruise Carnival to raise awareness of lung cancer,provide important information on treatment options,and inspire hope among lung cancer patients,their families,and Hong Kong people. During the event,more than 250 participants attempted to set a Guinness World Records title for the Largest Soap Bubble Making Lesson - symbolizing how for lung cancer patients,each breath is a celebration of life. In addition,the event raised funds to support lung cancer patients,in order to show support and care from the public.

More than 250 participants attempting to set a Guinness World Records title for the Largest Soap Bubble Making Lesson

"Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer,and the leading cause of cancer death globally and in Hong Kong. In 2015,more than a quarter of all cancer deaths in Hong Kong were attributed to lung cancer," says Dr. Siu-Kie Au,Chairman of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation's Cancer Fund. "Today's Bubble Cruise Carnival helps spark an important dialogue about this disease and providea source of hope and support to both lung cancer patients and their caregivers."

To kick off "A Breath of Hope" Bubble Cruise Carnival invited Mr. Su Chung Tai,a four times Guinness World Records holder and renowned bubble performance master,to lead over 250 participants in the Guinness World Record attempt. The same technique used when blowing bubbles - pursed-lip breathing - also helps with managing dyspnea or shortness of breath. Mr. Su wishes to spread hope to more patients through his bubble making lesson,bringing joy and hope to them. For every participant in the world record attempt,"A Breath of Hope" donated HK$100 to the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation towards cancer patient care.

Representatives from A Breath of Hope campaign,representative from Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation,Halina Tam,Denice Wai,and Su Chung Tai during the opening ceremony (Left to right: Dr. Siu-Kie Au,Dr. Stephen Yau,Dr. Patricia Poon,Dr. Jacky Li,Carol Mui,Su Chung Tai)

During the event,Akina Fong,TV and radio program host,hosted a health talk that featured a panel of oncologists and Halina Tam and Denice Wai - notable Hongkongers with a personal connection to lung cancer. The discussion overviewed non-small cell lung cancer and its treatment options including target therapy and immunotherapy.

Dr. Stephen Yau,Clinical Oncologist and council member of HKLCSG, adds,"For many patients with non-small cell lung cancer,a mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) leads to both an increased risk and increased progression of the disease. Today's discussion helped convey how understanding their EFGR mutation status can allow patients to be best equipped to select treatment options along with their doctor."

Akina Fong hosting a health talk on lung cancer with Dr. Siu-Kie Au,and Dr. Jacky Li

In addition to overviewing treatment options,the panel discussed ways to support patients and their psychological needs; and how families and caregivers can cope with stress.

"As physicians,we understand the importance of care not only from a medical perspective - but also from a psychological and support system perspective," says Dr. Patricia Poon,Clinical Oncologist and council member of HKLCSG. "Today's event gave an opportunity to reinforce that to ensure the best approach to care for patients - it involves a holistic perspective not only for patients,but their caregivers as well."

Akina Fong hosting a panel discussion with Dr. Patricia Poon,and Denice Wai on how to support patients' psychological needs,and how families and caregivers can cope with stress

The event also featured health consultations and interactive activities including art therapy,DIY workshops and a "thank you tree" for patients to show their appreciation to their doctors,oncologists,nurses,caregivers,family members,or friends.

"Today's medical advances offer more treatment options with less side effects. Not only are patients living longer,they have a better quality of life," adds Dr. Jacky Li,Clinical Oncologist and member of HKLCSG. "With the awareness and funds raised from today's event - we can further bolster the ways that we are supporting lung cancer patients in Hong Kong."

A Breath of Hope campaign hosting their first Bubble Cruise Carnival during lung cancer awareness month to send hope and support to patients with lung cancer and to raise awareness of lung cancer among HongKongers

Since 2017,"A Breath of Hope – Living with Lung Cancer" has raised public awareness of lung cancer and provided support to patients,and caregivers across Hong Kong with the support of the Hong Kong Lung Cancer Study Group (HKLCSG). The campaign's efforts both online and offline provide important information,resources,and programs including a lung cancer education website and regular patient events such as Qi Gong breathing workshop,cooking workshop,expressive arts workshop,physical therapy pain management workshop,and carnivals for lung cancer patients. To find out more about the campaign and how you can help,please visit: www.livingwithlungcancer.asia.

About HKLCSG

The Hong Kong Lung Cancer Study Group (HKLCSG) is a charitable institution established in 2003 by a group of oncology specialists. The objectives of the HKLCSG are to promote interest in the knowledge of lung cancer,to facilitate research for improving the knowledge and treatment of lung cancer,and to improve the standard of care for patients with lung cancer.

About "A Breath of Hope – Living with Lung Cancer" Campaign

"A Breath of Hope – Living with Lung Cancer" is a campaign supported by Hong Kong Lung Cancer Study Group (HKLCSG),aimed at raising public awareness of lung cancer and providing support to patients and their families and caregivers. The campaign logo features a dandelion to symbolise life through all challenges and difficulties and sending good wishes. "A Breath of Hope" hosts an educational website that provides information and resources about lung cancer. In the coming months,the campaign will run a series of events to support lung cancer patients and their families and caregivers. To find out more about the campaign and how you can help,please visit: www.livingwithlungcancer.asia

About Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation (HKAHF) was established in 1999 with a mission to assist and support financially disadvantaged people in need of medical treatment in Hong Kong,China,and Asia. Through its major funds including the Cancer Fund,Eye Fund,Adventist Heart Fund and Children's Hearing Fund,HKAHF strives to positively impact the community and make life-changing differences in the lives of underprivileged children,adults and the elderly.

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