FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free, Fully Funded Therapy for Cancer Survivors and their Partners

Karen Leung Foundation Launches Groundbreaking "THRIVE" Programme

Hong Kong, 30 October 2024 – When cancer treatment ends, the real journey begins. The Karen Leung Foundation (“KLF”) a leader in gynaecological cancer care in Hong Kong, is proud to announce the launch of Thriving Through Cancer (THRIVE). THRIVE is an unprecedented, fully-funded post-cancer therapy and support programme, designed for survivors of gynaecological and HPV-related cancers, as well as their partners and caregivers.

For the first time, cancer survivors in Hong Kong can access zero cost, comprehensive therapy and rehabilitation services, available in both Cantonese and English. Developed in partnership with AMindset Hong Kong and a community of stakeholders, THRIVE fills a crucial gap in Hong Kong’s healthcare system, where the psychological toll of cancer is often overlooked after treatment ends.

“This programme addresses one of the biggest, unspoken challenges for survivors: what happens when cancer treatment is over?” explains Sangeeta Dale, Project Director of THRIVE. “Even after remission, survivors face struggles with body image, confidence, intimacy, trauma and a deep fear of relapse.”

“The Hospital Authority does an excellent job treating cancer, but emotional rehabilitation is equally important. THRIVE ensures survivors and their partners have the tools and support to reclaim their lives and the Karen Leung Foundation is proud to offer this programme at no cost to patients and their families. In time, we hope to expand the project reach to other communities with more languages.”, added Katharina Reimer, CEO of KLF.

A New Beginning for Survivors and their Families

Many survivors, particularly women in Hong Kong, face barriers to accessing post-cancer therapy, whether due to stigma, time constraints, family commitments or financial concerns. With therapy often prohibitively expensive, THRIVE opens the door to critical support that has previously been unavailable to many survivors in Hong Kong. The programme also recognises the often-overlooked emotional burden carried by partners and caregivers, providing them with access to therapy alongside survivors.

"THRIVE is not just for survivors” Dale adds. "Partners and caregivers often suffer in silence, dealing with the emotional fallout of cancer. This programme provides a safe space for everyone involved to heal and rebuild."

A Critical Need for Psychotherapy in Post-Cancer Care

Globally, 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV—a preventable disease that can be screened early. However, even with early detection and treatment, many cancer survivors continue to struggle with emotional scars long after their physical wounds have healed. In Hong Kong, where cervical cancer is the seventh most common cancer, there are thousands of survivors who could benefit from the life-changing therapy offered by THRIVE.

Dr. Sarah Borwein, KLF board member and General Practitioner in Hong Kong, emphasises the importance of this programme: “Cancer care doesn’t stop when the therapy ends. Survivors are left with scars that aren’t visible. These include emotional trauma, intimacy issues, and a fear of recurrence. Programmes like THRIVE are crucial for offering the complete rehabilitation survivors need to truly move forward.”

Soft Launch Event

Yesterday morning, media representatives, partners and supporters were invited to the official soft launch of THRIVE, at Clifford Chance in Hong Kong.  The event featured a press briefing, Q&A and light breakfast, providing an opportunity to learn more about this groundbreaking initiative and how you can help spread the word.  Please click HERE for the photos.

Why THRIVE Matters The launch of THRIVE marks a major step forward in Hong Kong’s cancer care landscape and the Karen Leung Foundation is leading the change. KLF’s commitment to ensuring cancer survivors and their families do not face the journey alone is at the heart of this initiative. This programme is an urgent and essential resource for the many survivors who, until now, have had nowhere to turn for emotional support.

Get Involved Register now for the THRIVE programme or contact us to learn more about how you can support this vital cause. Together, we can ensure that cancer survivors and their families in Hong Kong receive the emotional support they need to THRIVE after cancer.

To register for the Programme:

Thrive Through Cancer

For more information:

(English)

Sangeeta Dale, Clinical Project Director

sangeeta.dale@karenleungfoundation.org

(Chinese)

Pat Kwok, Operations Director

pat.kwok@karenleungfoundation.org

About the Karen Leung Foundation

Founded in 2013, KLF is the first and only organisation in Hong Kong, solely devoted to women's gynaecological cancers. Now, we have widened our outreach to include supporting patients with HPV-related cancers. Today, KLF is serving the Hong Kong community, through education and participation in screening services, enabling an increase in early detection rates and ensuring that patients receiving treatment have access to optimal medical care. Raising awareness saves lives.

To date, the Karen Leung Foundation has raised more than HK$38 Million to fight gynaecological cancer and help Hong Kong girls and women. The Karen Leung Foundation honours the memory of Karen Leung, a hedge fund trader, who died at age 35 following a diagnosis of metastatic cervical cancer.

About AMindset

AMindset is a registered psychological business based in Hong Kong. It offers face-to-face and online psychotherapy, counselling and corporate wellness programmes to individuals, families, couples and multiple organisations. AMindset supports local charities and NGOs by providing low-cost and free counselling services to those in need.