A REAL life story sharing by a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient will be one of the highlights during an ‘MSSG with Tytias Musical Night’ at the Auditorium C in Komtar on Dec 1.
Penang of Multiple Sclerosis Support Group (MSSG) founder Peter Lim Ban Huat will give an account of his experiences since being diagnosed with optic neuritis in 2003 at the age of 23.
The musical, from 7pm to 9pm, is a collaboration between the MSSG and Penang Tytias Association and is open to the public, particularly youths.
Lim, a freelance graphic designer, said the target group is youth as 40% of the MS patients in the northern region, numbering about 100, are from the youth category. MSSG does not only provide support to about 50 patients in Penang but also around 10 patients each from Kedah and Perlis.
“We invite every youth (to the musical) to know more about MS, how to handle MS and live with stress and what they are facing recently,” said Lim, whose vision in one eye is affected because of the inflammation of the optic nerve.
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“Some of the MS patients are university students and newly-employed. Until today, doctors say there is no cure. For us, we discovered that when every patient changes their lifestyle, they can have no issues on relapses.
“Out of 10 patients, eight or nine are intelligent such as top students, professionals and managers but are affected by high-level stress
“Some take years to accept they have multiple sclerosis because they were initially in denial mode.
“We want to encourage them on how to overcome it and continue with their dreams. We also want to educate the youths to get involved and dedicate themselves as a volunteer and support needy patients living with MS.”
State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said entry is free but it’s limited to about 150 spectators.
“The state government is working with youths to give them a platform to perform for free and raise awareness on multiple sclerosis (MS). Of course, those who want to donate are most welcome,” Phee told a press conference in Komtar on Nov 1.
Also present were Tytias Group Association president Ray Yeoh Thien Sheh, vice-president Matthew Goh, treasurer Loh Shu Jing and assistant treasurer Tham Ee Ling.
Yeoh, whose association often supports the works of NGOs, said as most of the youths are living in a stressful society, they want to create a platform for them to change their mindset and be able to pursue their dreams.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis