“Will and Hope Giving” – a CCF regular giving initiative, aims to encourage more Singaporeans to learn about the prevalence of childhood cancer in Singapore, the psychosocial impacts of a childhood cancer diagnosis in the family, the work of CCF and to become regular donors to support children and families impacted by cancer.

She Lost Her Leg to Cancer. But She Never Lost Hope

At six years old, Debbie should have been worried about kindergarten homework and playground games. Instead, her world changed when she heard words no child should ever have to hear: “You have cancer.” The pain in her knee was not from playing too hard. It was osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer that required six rounds of intensive chemotherapy, limb-amputation surgery, and months of gruelling recovery.

Chemotherapy brought weight loss, endless hospital days, and countless needle pricks. The surgery, rotationplasty, meant Debbie had to learn to walk again with a prosthetic limb. Recovery was arduous and the medical bills were overwhelming. But through it all, one thing kept the family going: Hope. After completing her treatment in 2021, nine years old Debbie does not just survive — she thrives. She rock climbs. She swims. She rides her kick scooter with fearless joy. Her prosthetic limb does not define her; her courage does.

For Debbie and many children like her, childhood became a journey of hospital visits, treatments and uncertainty. Yet, with the right care, support, and compassion, no child has to face this journey alone.

A Father’s Silent Struggle

As a father, the hardest part was watching Debbie endure painful treatments and knowing there was nothing he could do to take that pain away. Each day, he had to leave the hospital and return to what looked like a normal routine, going to work and caring for his son, while his heart remained with Debbie. This quiet struggle was something few people could see.