During Cancer Battle, Cheung Tat Ming Divorced Wife: “So We Can Both Live Better”
Comedian actor Cheung Tat Ming (張達明) was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2011. After fighting the illness for seven years, the 54-year-old actor’s condition is now stabilized. But during his dark hours, he had even planned his own funeral. He also revealed the reasons why he decided to get divorced with his wife of 15 years.
Coped with the Cancer Diagnosis
In 2011, on the last day of his rehearsal for his stage play, Tat Ming received his doctor’s report that he is in stage three of nasopharyngeal cancer. Living with the motto that “the show must go on,” Tat Ming only told his wife of his health condition
While Tat Ming pushed through for his stage play performance, his nose bled uncontrollably. Not letting his illness get in the way, Tat-ming hastily retreated back stage to let the nosebleed out between sets.
After his five performances, Tat Ming went online to read about treatment for his cancer and even searched for information on urns for ashes. At that time, Tat Ming was scared that he wouldn’t have enough money to cure the disease. He believed that he may not have much time left and did not feel a need to announce his illness publicly.
Support from Friends
Although Tat Ming quietly battled cancer, his good friends eventually found out about his health and often visited. Revealing that Chow Yun Fat (周潤發) often accompanied him to jog at 6 a.m, Tat Ming also praised Francis Ng (吳鎮宇) for being supportive, and taught Tat Ming to practice Buddhist healing methods, including fasting and qigong.
During his cancer battle, Tat Ming’s now ex-wife, Ho Nim Chi (何念慈), often accompanied him to chemotherapy and so it was a shock when the couple announced the end of their 15-year marriage. In 2016, Tat Ming thanked his wife for being with him through thick and thin; however they no longer shared the same views of the future, and chose to separate to give each other space to chase their own dreams.
Tat Ming has now been living by himself for a few years. Sharing his thought of the divorce, he said, “The reason for the divorce is so we can both live better. It’s that simple. There is no new romance and I don’t think that it’s necessary. I’m not ready.”
Keeping a Positive Outlook
Tat Ming lamented that the cancer resulted in some side effects but he is keeping a positive outlook, “What is a terminal illness? Medical reports are not always accurate. I am very lucky. I was good in school, and found my own stage. Suddenly I became a celebrity and took in a lot of awards and money. Everything is beautiful. Even though the future is unclear and my arms and legs are numbed, I still need to face everything with positivity.”
Source: hket
This article is written by Sammi for JayneStars.com.