Video is provided in Chinese version only.
Montagut Chuen (Chuen) had smoked for 7 years when she was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer (stage III) at 22-years-old. She realized that she no longer had hopes, career and future as death was so close. After recovered, Chuen recorded the sweets and bitters during her illness through painting to comfort the patients and those who have been harmed by tobacco. Chuen is determined to spread the harmful effects of smoking and encourage smokers to kick the habit as soon as possible for family, friends and themselves.
Don’t underestimate the adverse effects of smoking
Chuen started smoking in secondary school because of peer pressure. She didn’t consider smoking cessation at that time as she despised the adverse effects of tobacco use at an early age. Chuen sought medical consultation for several times for her prolonged sore throat. She was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer (stage III), which had causal link with her smoking habit. She had never lighted up a cigarette again.
Chuen recalled that she could not eat for 3 months during the medical treatment since she suffered from mouth ulcer and her taste buds were damaged. Chuen felt extremely depressed as she looked emaciated and her weight decreased to 80lbs. Luckily, she met a group of volunteers in the hospital who were nasopharyngeal cancer survivors and was enlightened by their experiences. After recovering from cancer, she is alert to smokers on street because she will suffer from coughs and nosebleeds when contact with cigarette smoke. She felt guilty for having emitted secondhand smoke in the past which affected the non-smokers. Chuen’s experience also motivated her boyfriend to quit smoking.
Cancer allows Chuen to start a new life
Chuen loves drawing and recorded the life-changing experience through painting during her illness. She regarded cancer as a gift allowing her to discover the beauty of life, as well as treasure her family and herself. As a nasopharyngeal cancer survivor, she actively joined various voluntary services to encourage the patients. She also distributed handmade bookmarks on street to inform the public on the harms of smoking and its adverse effects to others.
Recently, Chuen produced an animation for The Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society under the theme of “Before Dying” to reveal the meaning of “Being Alive” and remark that the ending of life is a new beginning. The animation aimed to comfort the patients and inspire the youngsters for self-reflection.
