Ko Lap Wai

My name is Ko Lap Wai, I turned 18 this year. I believe not many campers and companions will know who I am since I was unable to attend as many camping activities as I would have liked, because of my studies. From this year, my role as a camper will be switched to that of a companion. The roles differ completely, but I am too happy to be able to give something back to Camp Quality.

Let me briefly introduce myself to you all. Eight years ago I feel ill. I was diagnosed at the Queen Mary Hospital as having a brain tumour. After 6 months of treatment that included surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, I was allowed home to rest. I have been off treatment for seven years now and could be said to have recovered fully. However during this time, I gained and lost many things. I had to endure the side effects of my treatment, like a weakness to my hearing and continuous oral treatment. I did however gain patience and a new perspective on life.

While I was ill, I joined in some activities arranged by the Children's Cancer Foundation before I was introduced to Camp Quality. At first I was a camper, now I am a companion. As a companion I have a very different type of responsibility. Having been through treatment myself, I hope I can be a very understanding companion for Camp Quality kids.

When I first joined Camp Quality, it was something completely new and rather strange to me. "New" because I had never been able to join in similar types of activities, and "strange" because I was given a companion. Initially I was rather worried about my relationship with my companion since we hardly knew each other but this quickly changed.

Being part of Camp Quality is like being in a big family, there is no discrimination and people don't look down on others. Nothing is done or said which could hurt our feelings. I find this particularly important. This feeling of belonging has helped to make a difference to my mental state and sensitivity too. Camp Quality has opened me up considerably as a person. This is because of the kind-hearted and genuine people surrounding me.

Now that I am a grown up, I have the opportunity to take care of the children instead of being taken care off! It's a completely new challenge for me but I will never forget my previous experiences as a camper in this big family.

Note: The original article was written in Chinese but translated for the benefit of our English readers.