Category: Life inspiring stories

Little Wafiy is a happy three-year-old boy who lives with his parents and three elder brothers. His father is the sole breadwinner of the family and works as a building technician to support the family while his mother cares for him and his siblings at home. 

All was well till one fateful day in April. Wafiy was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Wafiy’s parents were devastated when they heard the news. They did not understand how Wafiy could have Leukaemia as there was no family history of cancer! They were also worried that he may not survive the ordeal. 

To help them cope with their distress, a CCF social worker stepped in to provide counselling and support to Wafiy’s parents. CCF also matched them with a volunteer caregiver buddy so they could hear first-hand the experiences of other caregivers who went through similar situations. For Wafiy, it was difficult for him to understand why he had to be at the hospital and to go through the treatments. A CCF Childlife worker helped Wafiy cope with his medical procedures such as finger pricks and injections through lots of medical and distraction play. Since then, Wafiy has been mentally prepared and coping well with his medical procedures. 

Wafiy’s medical bills were steadily increasing with treatment and frequent hospitalisation. Coupled with additional expenses from lifestyle changes to cope with Wafiy’s condition, the family could barely make ends meet. The care of three other siblings also became a concern as Wafiy’s mother had to be with him whenever he was hospitalised. 

CCF provided Financial Assistance such as monthly food and transport vouchers to help Wafiy’s family cope with some of their day-to-day expenses. Our social worker also referred his siblings to a students’ care centre so that they could receive better after-school care and homework supervision while their mother cared for their youngest brother. 

Currently, Wafiy has completed all his intensive treatments. He is still undergoing outpatient chemotherapy as part of maintenance of his condition but is doing well. Wafiy’s caregivers intend to enrol him into CCF PALS in May 2022 so their little one can have some fun with peers his age.

Read more inspiring stories of our CCF stakeholders at https://www.ccf.org.sg/humansofccf/index.html.

In 2013, Nazri Arshad, was diagnosed with Leukaemia. He was only 16. Both his parents lost their cleaning jobs trying to stay by his side. After a two-year ordeal undergoing multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, Nazri was cancer-free in 2015 and returned to school. 

“To be honest, some people would be crying and upset about this,” said Nazri. “But for me, I didn’t feel anything. I just feel that this is just a test from God, and that I just need to respect what He is asking me to go through. I believe that if God wants to take you through this experience, He will guide you. It is important to think positive!” 

His optimism played a big part in helping him beat the illness. Despite hurtful comments from a fair share of his friends, Nazri’s indomitable spirit allowed him to look past their ignorance. “I had a friend tell me, ‘Go away, I’m scared you’ll pass your virus to me’ while another said, ‘Oh, I thought you died already’. But I ignored them. I refuse to allow their words to get into my head.” 

Fast forward to 2020: Nazri and his family’s financial situation was hit hard once again by the COVID-19 pandemic as his parents lost their jobs one after another. Nazri stepped up during the circuit breaker to help his family make ends meet, working as a food delivery rider by day and packer by night. 

Despite his hardships, Nazri found time to give back during the recent Hari Raya festivities. With what little he had, he baked and sent Raya cookies to low-income families who were also going through a tough time during the pandemic. He even got his delivery rider friends who had lost their jobs during the circuit breaker to deliver the cookies.

He explained: “A few families asked if they could pay me but I told them to donate directly to CCF instead. I refused their money because my aim is to help people. Many of my friends said I was wasting my money but I told them that I didn’t think of it that way.” Nazri encouraged others to reciprocate his goodwill with a donation to CCF because he appreciated CCF’s support at every step of his childhood cancer journey. 

Nazri used to visit the Family Resource Centre at CCF@KKH, a playroom with games and books, when he felt well enough. CCF volunteers would always be there if he needed someone to talk to or play with, something he is incredibly grateful for. Besides emotional support, CCF helped Nazri financially with his medical, transport, school, food and maintenance needs. 

As part of its Back-to-School programme, CCF also organised sessions with Nazri’s school to discuss his learning and schooling needs due to his medical condition. Nazri also received various CCF Education Awards for three years. Till today, Nazri still calls CCF his “second family”.

Read more inspiring stories of our CCF stakeholders at https://www.ccf.org.sg/humansofccf/index.html.

When Isabel developed an unexplained prolonged fever and an enlarged spleen, her parents, Agnes and James, were extremely worried. Their oldest son had passed away at the age of eight after experiencing the same symptoms. 

Upon the doctors’ recommendation, the Tan family underwent a series of genetic tests as they suspected that what Isabel had was Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare type of illness which is fatal if not treated. To their horror, the tests confirmed that Isabel had familial-HLH due to defective genes – one from each of her parents who are carriers of this gene. It was also the cause of her late brother’s passing. 

“We were devastated,” shares Agnes. “Everything was so overwhelming!” 

With a bone marrow transplant being the only cure, James stepped in as a donor, while Isabel underwent some treatments including chemotherapy in preparation of the transplant. Shortly after, her beloved waist-length hair began to fall out in clumps. To help her cope, CCF referred Isabel for play therapy sessions. Through role play with a doll, CCF play therapist, Joanne, helped Isabel come to terms with her hair loss and she eventually allowed a nurse to shave off her remaining hair. 

During the course of her treatment, Isabel had to go through a series of blood tests and managed to endure them without crying. “Even the nurses were surprised by how brave she was!” says Agnes proudly. 

Thankfully, the bone marrow transplant went smoothly and she was discharged after a month. While she was happy to be home, life for her changed completely. The usually active girl had to stay in a sterile room 24/7 and be kept away from her older brother, Joel. The separation was hard for the pair who were used to playing together.

Luckily, CCF was there for the family. From pre to post-treatment, CCF social workers, Esther, Sarah and Gabby, journeyed with Isabel and her parents, and surrounded Joel with special support for siblings of children with cancer. “We are so grateful for CCF. They showered Isabel with many gifts, supported Joel throughout Isabel’s treatment, and also regularly checked in on us to make sure we were okay,” says Agnes. 

Since May 2020, Isabel has been attending CCF’s Place for Academic Learning and Support (PALS) classes, which are held virtually over ZOOM. “It’s fun! I like the cooking and arts and crafts lessons, and Teacher Sophie,” exclaims Isabel, now six. Well on the road to recovery, the bubbly Shopkins fan is full of hope for the future. “I want to be a ballerina!” she shares excitedly. “I want to dance, dance, dance!” Reflecting on the last two years, Agnes has this advice for fellow caregivers: “Keep the faith. Pray and don’t give up because miracles will happen.”

Read more inspiring stories of our CCF stakeholders at https://www.ccf.org.sg/humansofccf/index.html.

Human complexity and diversity makes the social work industry a particularly challenging field to work in. TRIBUTE goes behind-the-scene with Ng Hwee Chin, Head of Direct Services at CCF to find out more about her passion to serve and insights of the profession!

1. Can you describe what your job entails at CCF?

As Head of Direct Services at CCF, my job covers a wide range of duties. It includes direct case management for the palliative and bereaved (P&B) families, development of programmes under the P&B Services, overseeing the overall service delivery in CCF, provision of in-house training and supervision (casework, clinical, administrative and on-site), streamlining work processes across the psychosocial teams to facilitate effective management of resources and liaison with working partners (inclusive of regional partners).

2. Why did you choose social work or what path led you to the profession?

During my six month stint at a vacation job in a multinational company, I met many highfliers who made work a priority and shared a common sentiment that they had money but no time to spend. Some of the staff even went back to work on the first day of Chinese New Year. I was a commerce student then and I started to wonder if that was the type of life I wanted for myself and “No” was the answer.

I thought I would like a more meaningful job where I could be of help to others so I decided to major in Psychology. I was not intending to become a social worker then. I was interested in Psychology and I thought social work was a good fit to Psychology since both subjects were offered by the same faculty. Hence, I chose to study Social Work.

I was inspired to become a social worker after my second internship in one of the restructured hospitals. I met a very good clinical supervisor who taught me a lot about the social work practices and issues in a hospital setting, and clinical considerations such as transferences and counter-transferences, etc.

In addition, I liked the learning opportunities available in the hospitals. I picked up medical, nursing and other illness-related knowledge beyond social work. Hence, I became a Medical Social Worker after I graduated from NUS and eventually started to develop my interest in working on cases in paediatrics.

3. What, in your opinion, is the primary role of a social worker? How does one lay the groundwork for that role and then deliver on that?

In my opinion, social workers are like the tug boats that help tow and navigate vessels in shallow waters to reach the shipyard for maintenance or other purposes. After the maintenance or completion of the task, the tug boats will send the vessels out to the open sea so that these vessels can continue on their own voyages.

We support the clients by walking them through difficult moments when their internal and external resources do not allow them to address their current issues. Once resolved and addressed, we send them off with our best wishes for them to continue on their life voyages.

For me, it is important for social workers to be equipped with the necessary aptitude and skills set to help others. The focus of our work is always on the client’s interest and well-being. As such, we must always keep abreast of clinical developments, exercise mindfulness on whether our services are meeting the client’s needs and look out for our personal well-being.

The development of social work skills is an art. It takes conviction and time to become a proficient helper. The former is very important as there will constantly be challenging and tiring moments. Knowing why and what we are doing are important for a social worker to continue to stay clear minded and persevere.

4. What changes do you think the profession of social work can benefit from?

I feel that the industry is facing a shortage of social workers and there should be more provisions to encourage more new entrants into the industry.

For instance, I have been wondering if existing tertiary institutions can introduce new social work courses or make exceptions in their entry requirements such as grades and minimum entry age to boost the intake numbers. We are building more health care facilities and scaling up our social services to address issues of a growing and aging population. We are, however, not producing enough new social workers to address the expanding social issues that come along.

5. Do you have any tips to share with those who aspire to enter and succeed in social work?

Every client is different with their own personality and a life story unique to them. Even siblings brought up in the same family are different. Hence, provision of social work support is never straight forward nor cast in a ‘template’ and that translates to the need for constant learning. One must be prepared for a steep learning curve in order to be a proficient professional helper. It is also important that we strike a balance with good self-care practices.

For me, this is a very challenging job but I am always thankful for the privilege to be able to journey with others.

6. Leave us with a quote that you live by!

Everyone should live life to the fullest!

21-year-old Divesh Singaraju is Singapore Polytechnic’s valedictorian and recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Award this year. He has also been offered a place at the Imperial College of London to study aeronautical engineering under a scholarship awarded by Singapore Airlines. Looking every bit the winner, Divesh surprised many of his peers when he revealed how he overcame a cancer relapse when he was 17. He shares with TRIBUTE why cancer could not stop him from achieving his aeronautical dreams at the prestigious Imperial College of London this fall!

1. What were your thoughts upon learning that you had a relapse?

I felt depressed, not because I had to undergo chemotherapy once more, but because I was unable to attend school to learn about aeroplanes and to make new friends. It was also difficult to witness the emotional breakdown in my family upon hearing the news. This fuelled my determination to fight cancer so as to return to being a healthy individual quickly.

2. How did your condition affect your studies? How did you overcome the challenges faced to attain such excellent results?

Although my relapse caused me to defer my first year polytechnic education by a year, I took this time to brush up on my secondary school subjects. Only a few of my close friends knew about my medical history. My academic results would not have been possible without the guidance from my passionate lecturers and helpful classmates.

3. Did your battle with cancer change your lifestyle and the way you perceive things?

The extensive treatment costs made me realise the importance of financial independence and how education is vital for a viable future. At the hospital, watching fellow patients struggling for their lives made me realise how fragile life could be and that not everyone could emerge victorious. The experience motivated me to explore the many opportunities and gifts in my life. Most importantly, my battle with cancer made me re-evaluate my priorities in life and cherish my family and friends who were there for me during my darkest hours.

4. Congratulations! We hear that you are heading to London soon to pursue your dreams of being an aeronautical engineer?

Yes! I am extremely excited to pursue my further education at the Imperial College of London. It has always been my dream to study overseas, experience a different culture and live on my own. I also hope to have the chance to be involved in community service overseas as well.

5. Are there any words of encouragement you wish to share with children and youths who are still battling cancer?

No matter how hard or painful the battle may be, do not ever give up! Never let cancer determine the future you may have. Instead, dream BIG and build your dreams!

In this issue of TRIBUTE, we want to show appreciation to all parents for their selfless love and dedication! For caregivers of children affected by cancer, the road is invariably more arduous and emotionally challenging. We speak to super Mum and Dad, Christina Tio and Leslie Choo, caregivers of CCF beneficiary, Clement Choo, on their caregiving journey and how it has inspired them to help other caregivers whose child has cancer.

1. Are there plans to celebrate Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day?

Both: We usually have dinner with extended family members.

2. What is the best thing about becoming a dad/mum?

Leslie (L): Besides my wife, my children are my companions.
Christina (C): Being able to share happy moments, brace challenges with my children in times of adversity and be there for them when they need me.

3. What are some memorable moments that you have shared with your child?

L: I enjoyed the beach resort holidays with my family after Clement completed his maintenance term. It was in fact our usual activity before Clement was diagnosed with cancer.
C: I have fond memories of our first overseas family trip to Bintan Lagoon Resort in December 2014. I also remember wonderful times like cycling at East Coast Park as a family and when we were invited to a Pet Therapy session in November 2013. It was our first time on board a yacht where we had fun interacting with the dogs and other guests. I also enjoyed our visit to S.E.A Aquarium in Sentosa last June.

4. How do you encourage your child when he/she is feeling down?

L: By just being there for him.
C: I give him hugs and encourage him to press on. I also try to cook his favourite Japanese dishes such as Katsudon and Chawanmushi.

5. What challenges did you face when caring for your child? What motivated you during those challenging times?

L: I found it difficult to answer the question, ‘Why me?’ when Clement learnt of his condition. It was also tough overcoming the emotional turmoil as I often wished that I could take over my son’s sufferings. I thank my wife and daughter for being my motivation during the difficult period.
C: It was a challenge at the initial stage of the diagnosis as I was unsure of how to care for Clement and what to expect with each treatment. It was also heartbreaking to witness the side effects of chemotherapy on my child as he suffered hair and weight loss. I was also very anxious over the instability of his condition. My greatest motivation was witnessing Clement’s resilience and bravery throughout his cancer journey. The assurances and care from hospital staff as well as the caring support from CCF’s social workers, family, friends and caregivers in similar situations were encouraging.

6. You are both buddies since July 2014 to caregivers of children who are newly diagnosed. What motivated you to volunteer in the CCF Caregivers Buddy Programme? Would you encourage other caregivers to take part in this programme as well?

L: I believe that a little support will go a long way. I would definitely encourage other caregivers to join the Programme as we have been through the caregiving journey ourselves.
C: I volunteered in the Programme as a form of giving back for the help that CCF had rendered to us in times of need. I had benefitted from the informal sharing by other caregivers at CCF@NUH and now I hope to be able to share my experiences with caregivers whose child is newly diagnosed with cancer. I would encourage other caregivers to take part in this programme as I believe that only caregivers with similar experiences would be able to fully understand the anguish and helplessness felt by another caregiver.

7. What are some words of encouragement you would like to share with other caregivers whose child is battling cancer?

L: I hope that they will never give up and learn to take one step at a time. They must remember to cherish every moment with their loved ones. It is important to be honest with their feelings and release pent up frustrations through healthy activities like sports.
C: The cancer journey is a long and arduous one. Do persevere and stay positive. Believe in the doctors to do what is best for their child and have faith that their child will ride through the tough times.