PETALING JAYA: Author and motivational speaker Yvonne Foong has died after a long battle with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF II).
According to a post on her Facebook page, Foong, 33, passed away in her sleep in her home Monday (Nov 11), with her mother, Chia Kwee Que, by her side.
It states: “Thank you for your continued support for the Foong family. It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Yvonne Foong Ming Niang, 33 years young, who has gone home to the Lord on 11 November 2019.”
NF II is a rare genetic disorder that causes tumours to grow in the brain, spine and along peripheral nerves. Foong was first diagnosed with the genetic disorder when she was 16 years old.
She has undergone various surgeries to remove multiple tumours. Her condition deteriorated after a fall last year, which left her bedridden.
In the span of 20 years, Foong has actively made efforts to raise funds and awareness about the disorder. It includes designing, and selling T-shirts and attending speaking engagements.
In 2005, she received the Most Outstanding Youth of The Year award by the Asian Youth Ambassadors.
Despite her medical condition, Foong published two books – I Am Not Sick, Just A Bit Unwell, her private therapy of coping with the pain of NF, and A Life Worth Living, about her tenacity to overcome her trials and tribulations.
Her followers turned to Facebook to pour out their heartfelt messages after her passing.
Yvonne Loke said: “Even in her fighter spirit, she was one of those many angels who comforted me when my mom was battling through meningioma years back. Rest in peace Yvonne. My heartfelt condolences to her mom.”
DeWayne Frazier Peace, wrote: “Comfort and love be with the entire family during this time. I still remember the first time I met Yvonne at our Upper Iowa University campus with SEGi at Subang Jaya. A young lady who truly lived and loved more in her 30 plus years than many do in a 80 year lifetime. May God bring comfort to all that are grieving and prayers that her message continues on as her legacy. Love from Iowa, USA.”
Foong’s wake services will be conducted at the family home Monday (Nov 11) and Tuesday (Nov 12) at 8.30pm at 13, Jalan 1/12, PJ Old Town, Petaling Jaya. On Wednesday (Nov 13), the cortege will leave home at 10am to Nirvana Memorial Park, Jalan Pusaka 21/1, Off, Persiaran Jubli Perak, Section 21 in Shah Alam. -The Star