MEET CHARLENE KOH

“I am also a person who doesn’t give up no matter how tough the challenge is.”

MY STORY IS …

On 8 April 2019, I was diagnosed with stage 0 & 1 breast cancer at the age of 35. On 9 April 2019, I was warded into Gleneagles Hospital for my life-saving surgery that included a mastectomy and a reconstruction surgery of my left boob. The first thing that went through my mind when I was told -  “You have breast cancer” - was why was life so unfair? What did I do wrong to deserve this?  I didn’t have enough time to process everything and within four days, I had my mastectomy and reconstruction surgery.

I struggled to come to terms with my new body. I had many questions that replayed in my mind; what would life be after cancer? How would people view me after cancer, and how would I get used to this new body? But as time passed, and I started to rebuild my mind and strength, I realised that I was still a very normal person. My definition of beauty had changed tremendously as well. Beauty used to be more of a physical attribute, but now beauty to me is more about strength and being comfortable in your own skin.

Beauty is also about being confident no matter the situation or circumstances I’m in.

Apart from that, chemotherapy has the toughest challenge of my life so far, but I knew then that better days were coming. I had detected my cancer early and getting cured was a very high probability. I told myself that if I stayed positive, I would cope better with everything that was going on and that was indeed true.

I started Breathe Essentials Co, a lifestyle wellness company that specialises in organic essential oils, hand-poured coconut soy candles and home essentials for everyone like yoga mat sprays. Breathe was born during the days of my chemotherapy when I was using essential oils to help complement my cancer treatment and I was inspired to have a homegrown label that everyone could benefit from.

What is my crazy? My crazy is being a go-getter. I am also a person who doesn’t give up no matter how tough the challenge is. Just give it your best shot!

Have a positive attitude and positive things will come your way.

photography Jeremy Long