Belinda Bateman’s Amazing Journey at The ATTIC, Kuala Lumpur – 27 Mar 2008
By Lorraine Tan & Dr Evelyn Ho Belinda Bateman is a single mother with a 4 year old daughter. She was born with congenital arthogryposis multiplex which results in multiple joint contractures leading to deformities. To correct her deformities, she has had to endure over 40 operations. Her baby girl Renayy was also born with this rare congenital disorder! Belinda was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2006. After the lumpectomy, she was forced to sign her resignation letters whilst still recovering in hospital. With no job, no savings, high treatment costs and a child to raise, she turned to EPF, Socso and Social Welfare. As if life was not enough of challenges, EPF, Socso and Social Welfare gave her the run around. What she lacks in physical size, she makes up for it in spirit - more than can be imagined.
Belinda chatted relatively cheerfully despite her many trials she has been through. Helping her through her journey were those at Hospis Malaysia and the Breast Cancer Welfare Association. The Wonder Women session was conducted in a ‘live-chat show” style. To complement the event, Dr Evelyn Ho, President of the College of Radiology was on hand to stress the importance of being self breast aware whilst Dr Sylvia Ann McCarthy, Deputy Medical Director of Hospis Malaysia talked about the role of palliative care medicine and how it evolved from just being a “hospice” previously. About Wonder Women KL, The ATTIC, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Wonder Women started off in 2007 as a platform for women who call their own shots to meet other female entrepreneurs. It empowers women, allows them to socialize and most importantly, network in a business sense with other business women. They meet every second Thursday of the month at The Attic and there are usually 2 - 3 presenters who talk about their businesses. 2008 sees Wonder Women - being given a facelift by opening it up to more women - increase the number of topics. - venture into areas related to: career & money, health, sexuality, beauty & fashion, technology, spiritual, culture, travel, children Instead of just having presenters talk, Wonder Women will take on the approach of an exciting live talk show called "Wonder Women Live @The Attic". |
