Haliza Abd Halim, 62, said the chat group she founded 13 years ago started with just six members but has since grown to 140.

The platform allows others to share their experiences, and offer advice and words of encouragement to help one another stay hopeful and positive in life in spite of their diagnoses.

Haliza said the group members knew each other from hospital visits and would invite other cancer patients and survivors who needed encouragement into the group.

“We support one another. If someone is unwell, I will bring other cancer warriors to comfort them to prove they can be healthy too,” she said when met after the Warrior Run 2024, organised by Gleneagles Hospital at Padang Kota Esplanade here on Sunday.

Some 5,328 people participated in the event, which was held to raise awareness about cancer and show support to those fighting the disease.

According to Haliza, 11 stage-2, -3 and -4 breast cancer patients from the chat group took the ETS train from Kuala Lumpur to participate in the run.

“Activities like this not only boost our spirits but also prove that we are capable of reaching the finish line,” said Haliza, who has been a cancer warrior for the past 11 years.

A member of Life Free From Cancer, Ummi Salmah Hashim, said being sick does not mean one should give up without a fight.

“Although we are sick, we have to stay strong and mingle with others,” the 50-year-old said. “I am grateful to have met like-minded people who are always positive as they help motivate me to face life.”