Though childhood cancer survivor Celeste Lee had missed out
onphysical education lessons inprimaryschool, shemadeup for
them duringCamp Sunshine, an event organised by CCFwhich
was formerly knownasWorking inAidof Children (W.A.L.K).
Celeste was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
at age three but was in remission by the time she entered
primary one. Even then, teachers were cautious about letting
the seven-year-old join her classmates for sports and games,
or even visits to thedentist. “My friends had funand they got to
pick up inter-personal and communication skills,” saidCeleste,
whodescribedherself asashyandsoft-spokenchild. Forced to
watch from the sidelines, all she longed forwas theopportunity
to interact with her peers.
It was at the CCF camps, which she attended annually at
her doctor’s recommendation that she emerged from her
shell. During the camp, Celeste made friends with peers who
had gone through similar experiences with cancer through
team-building games and tele-matches.
Participating in skits during the camp also helped Celeste
overcome stage fright andbuild confidence.One year, sheeven
played the lead role of Princess Jasmine in anAladdin sketch,
performing in a glittery pink costume made by her mother who
was a seamstress.
“I found another side of happiness,” said Celeste, her face
lighting upat thememory fromover adecadeago.
These positive experiences spurred her to join CCF as a
volunteer when sheoutgrew the children’s camps. In secondary
three, she volunteered as a camp befriender, helping the youth
committee plan the logistics, publicity and activities.
She also helped with the day-to-day running of the camps,
interactingwith the kids and taking care of them.
“We always try to provide positive encouragement and tell them
that theyareon the right track,” she said, reflectingon the same
encouragement that she had received.
Celeste added: “They may not realise it now, but hopefully
when they grow up, they will want to help other kids with
cancer forget about the pain of their treatment, and just enjoy
themselves and have fun.”
Coming full circle:
Childhood cancer
survivor CelesteLee
volunteerswithCCF
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