‘Cancer saved me’: Hong Kong survivor finds new purpose ahead of canoe challenge
Thirty-one years ago, Hongkonger Raymond Lo Shu-yuen was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer and had a quarter of the organ removed. Now 75, Lo said the illness, despite its physical and mental toll, had taught him invaluable lessons about ageing, health and making the most of life. “I can say that the cancer itself saved me,” he said. “Why? If I did not have this illness, I would not have…
In 1995, at 44 years old, Raymond Lo Shu-yuen was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer, a condition that would ultimately influence the course of his life. Despite the significant physical and emotional challenges, Lo credits the illness with saving him from a life of unhealthy habits. Prior to his diagnosis, Lo had been working excessively, consuming a diet heavy in junk food, and neglecting regular exercise.
Additionally, he had no pets. After undergoing surgery to remove a quarter of his liver, Lo realized he needed to make drastic changes to his lifestyle. Seeking solace and a focus during his recovery, he returned to canoeing, a hobby he had once pursued but later abandoned. With his newfound passion for canoeing, Lo began paddling regularly and even took up teaching the sport to others, training over a hundred students.
In addition to his busy canoeing schedule, Lo took on the ambitious goal of embarking on a 65km solo canoeing challenge between Tung Chung and Ma Wan. The challenge aims to raise funds for cancer patients and increase public awareness of health and wellness.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
