I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in December 2006. I was 36 year old then.

At that very moment I found out about my condition, I thought I was going to die. I asked my oncologist ‘how long more do I still have?’ That was when I gathered knowledge that breast cancer is actually treatable and chances for recovery is high. Hence I had started to read more about cancer and find out the kinds of treatments available.

During the period of my treatment, I was practically counting down to the end of my 8 chemotherapy sessions, and 30 radiation sessions. What’s all on my mind was to get it over and done so I could continue to lead on with my normal life – full working schedule, travelling overseas and my favorite golfing activity!

Now that all is over, I keep my fingers crossed that I will not have any relapse. Even if it happens, I am definitely prepared to fight the Big C again!

Looking back, I am very grateful, for my parents were always around to take care of my every need. They accompanied me through my check-ups, to seating with me through my treatment period. In addition, they would also read up on articles from the website, newspapers to find out more about cancer. As we become more self-aware, we would be clearer of the dos and don’ts for a person seeking cancer treatment.

Besides my closest kin, the most commendable group of motivators/supporters during the harsh period was the doctors and nurses. They are my pillar of support and were always on the lookout for small little facial expressions I gave out whenever there were any discomforts during treatment. My oncologist had provided his mobile number too so that I can call him directly should there be any complication after each chemo treatment. My company’s doctor even opened his clinic on a Sunday (they are not opened on Sundays) just for me to obtain my daily-dose of injection in view of my cancer treatment. I was very touched by this special arrangement the doctor did for me.

Cancer has definitely changed my perspective towards life.

Before I had cancer, I was physically active, engaging in golf, brisk walking and jogging. Right now, I still exercise regularly and on top of that, I’ve adopted a healthier diet by eating in moderation and include more fruits and greens which I used to dislike. In addition to that, I am now a less workaholic as compared to before. And I now take time to ‘smell the roses around me’!

A piece of advice personally to young people who are diagnosed with cancer; Fear not. Keep Calm and Fight On. Cancer is not a death sentence. Many have been diagnosed with cancer and many have walked out of it as awesome warriors and survivors.

Hopefully cancer researchers will find a ‘cure’ for breast cancer and all other forms of cancer soon so that no one has to go through such unpleasant experience. We definitely need more support with cancer research. Doctors and researchers need our assistance to arm them with the equipment and manpower necessary to understand cancer and to search for a cure. However, they cannot do this alone and will need our support. Our support through monetary means will help them go a long way in their cancer research.

The Run For Hope 2012 is an event to raise funds for the NCC Research Fund with the purpose of paving the way for a cancer cure through research. I have been supporting the Runs for cancer research by assisting the organising team with the event communications. Prior to the run, we have many internal company activities to help raise fund in conjunction with the run and I would actively participate in them as well.

In my mere presence, I would like to call out to as many runners as well as non-runners to step forward and be part of the 10,000 runners this year for Run For Hope 2012. Let’s create a milestone towards a cancer-free future.

Adeline Lee, 42

Marketing Executive Assistant, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific

July 2012

For the past 10 years, I have been a faithful volunteer supporting the run for cancer research – the first 5 years when I was in Regent Singapore, and the next 5 years over here at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. Since May this year, my colleagues and I have been organising several staff activities at the hotel to raise awareness and funds leading up to the Run For Hope 2012.

These activities include sale of fruits that were either sponsored or provided at special rates by our suppliers, dumplings in conjunction with the Dragon-boat festival, as well as karaoke singing sessions. Singing is my favorite pastime. I feel very fortunate that I could tap on my personal interest and incorporate it with charitable efforts at my workplace. Although I am not into running, I strongly believe in doing my part, however small it may seem, for a good cause.

What further encourages me is the great enthusiasm and support given by my fellow colleagues. The activities have been very well received so far. Such meaningful efforts keep me very motivated in my job. By the day of the run, we hope to have raised $10,000 from the staff activities, contributing to the amount that Run For Hope aims to raise for research at the National Cancer Centre Singapore.

Recently, this suddenly became a cause close to home. I lost a family member to cancer. He passed away barely a month after diagnosis because it was detected at a late stage. We never know when and who cancer may strike. Through cancer research, I hope cancer can one day become more easily detectable and curable. A lot of support is needed to make this day a reality sooner. For the benefit of our families, and ourselves, let us not take health for granted.

Susan Tan, Director of Catering Sales, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

August 2012

My role at NCCS is sometimes a part of drug research, through conducting regular scans on patients to monitor their progress. There are protocols and accuracy standards to be strictly maintained, to obtain the most accurate information for the researchers and doctors.

During the course of my work, I need to interact with the patients and understand their worries. Most often, these patients involved in research, or more specifically, clinical trials are receiving tested drugs at no cost to them. The main concern of these patients is usually the effectiveness of the drug, and anticipating an improvement in their condition. Their anxiousness could affect the scan accuracy; hence, it is essential that we calm them while performing the scans.

Many people may perceive that my work in a cancer centre seems all doom and gloom. This is definitely not true. I take pride in what I’m doing and I am seeing miracles every single day. I witness how new drugs or treatments help patients extend their lives and the joy that such positive outcomes bring on to the faces of their family members. It is also through them, that I learned the importance of spending quality time with my loved ones.

Certainly, having good health enables us to enjoy such quality time. And the fundamentals of healthy living include watching what we eat and regular exercise is just as vital. My husband and I would run together regularly, and we would participate in events/marathons and train for the runs together. For me, running is a form of distressing activity. After every run, I will feel recharged and positive towards overcoming the challenges ahead.

On the Run For Hope co-organised by NCCS and our corporate partners, I feel that this has a different meaning compared to the rest of the race events I had participated. Maintaining it as a non-competitive run implies to me that we can all set our own benchmark and run at our own pace. At the same time, it provides an added avenue to support our common purpose beyond our work.

I hope more will join me in this run and help us work towards finding a cancer cure through research. Whether you are an avid runner or not, you can Run For Hope. If there is any patient who would like to join in the run but is wheelchair-bound, I will gladly volunteer myself to wheel the participant and complete the run together.

 Kym Sor, Principal Radiographer at NCCS

July 2012

At the NCCS, my role involves preparing patients and performing initial checks on them before sending them to the radiographers for CT or MRI scans. The scans allow doctors to better understand the patients’ conditions pre- or post-treatment progress.

I play a part in providing them assurance and building up their confidence before treatment. I interact with patients a lot, and sometimes, I provide a listening ear. As treatments are costly, it added greater financial burden to the patients on top of the appalling sufferings they had to endure from the illness. Patients shared with me how they managed to raise money for treatment, and a few took extreme measures of selling flats to fund their treatments.

Seeing how much these cancer patients are giving up every material goods they possessed in order to survive, there are moments when we as medical professionals, are faced with a hard truth to be told to the patient – that is, treatment options have been exhausted. This is without a doubt, the last thing we ever want to convey to the patients. Cancer is nevertheless complex and develops in various forms, hence the need to constantly seek new ways and means to eliminate it.

This is why in NCCS we place such great emphasis on cancer research, so that we could understand the complex biology of cancer and constantly develop new treatment options to tackle the different forms of cancers. The NCC Research Fund was set up to raise a substantial pool of funding to sustain a variety of cancer research. Some aimed at finding treatment methods that are more affordable, some to better detect cancer early so that it can be more treatable.

Although I am non-research staff, I am glad I can support efforts that pave the way for a cancer-free future for our patients by being part of Run For Hope. I strongly urge everyone to join me in doing our part for cancer research so more lives can be saved.

Melanie Tan, Senior Staff Nurse at NCCS Oncologic Imaging

July 2012

In June 2009, I was diagnosed with Diffuse B-cell Lymphoma, a kind of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  It was at stage-2 phase and was life-endangering as the cancerous cells were growing very rapidly. I was only 23 at that point, and as a university student, it never occurred to me before that I could have cancer. Many university students tend to have a feeling of invincibility because of the freedom and energy that they have. It was definitely something that took me by surprise.

Going through chemotherapy wasn't a walk in the park. The initial stage of chemotherapy with nausea and vomiting after each cycle was unbearable. The complications extended to more psychological aspects, like losing your hair and muscle mass. It will just affect your overall state of mind. Nevertheless, I’m very glad to have the support of my friends and family, which made things a lot easier.

Although I’m currently considered well treated, one thing that all cancer survivors know is that remission lasts a lifetime: one would always, for the rest of his life, need to live healthily and responsibly in order to prevent a relapse. We cannot afford to take chances.

Besides family and friends, the healthcare professionals are next I am grateful for. Despite their efforts and commitment, these healthcare professionals are indeed under-appreciated. During my treatment period at NCCS, I encountered caring nurses and the high display of professionalism from my oncologist - they had altogether made my stay in the hospital more pleasant.

This ordeal had definitely transformed my life.  Besides having a healthier diet, I’ve started an exercise regime. And more importantly, I’ve learnt to not sweat the small stuff, cherish my time, making full use of it, and developed a greater appreciation for the little things in my life. Nevertheless, the whole ordeal has given me strength, and also a greater drive to seize the day, because life is short.

Before I had cancer, I didn’t exercise regularly, and the most I would do is to swim or play tennis occasionally. However, after my cancer went into remission, I took up Muay Thai and Jiu-Jutsu classes. Nowadays, I go to the gym twice a week, where I would do some cardio and weight-lifting.

I feel that a lot of our younger generation may be too physically inactive. However, exercise not only helps one to heighten their emotions, it also keeps illnesses at bay.  In fact, after my treatment ended, I started to exercise more regularly, and I felt even better than before I was diagnosed with cancer!

I am definitely participating in the upcoming Run for Hope 2012. The funding collected from this run will aid the cancer research conducted at NCCS. The underlying importance of cancer research should not be neglected. If I were born a few decades earlier and diagnosed with cancer, I might not have lived past my mid-20s due to the insufficient knowledge towards cancer and its drug treatment then.

Let’s contribute to the best that we could. Join Run For Hope and have a part in creating a cancer-free future.

Raymond Tan, 27

Sep 2012

I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1998. While I was undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and surgery for the first six month, my son arrived prematurely and we were all struggling with the sudden change in our lives.

However, I did not allow this unfavorable illness to ruin the way I lived.  Over the years, we have put the experience from those 6 months of ordeal to good use. We have met and supported numerous cancer patients, caregivers and spoken to interest groups. Many of whom have walked with me during that tumultuous period, and they are still around.

This urge was so strong that I slowly picked up running to rebuild my strength and my body. My first run was the Terry Fox run. It was a major spark that started my engagement in endurance races; marathon, biathlon, triathlon followed by Aviva 70.3 Ironman.

All these while, I have the complete support from my dearest wife, Dorothy Hoo. She has been through a lot with me, in sickness and in health. And up till today, though she simply does not like to run, she was there with and for me. She is the pillar and support of my life, my constant companion, and she is one major inspiration to me!

Cancer has indefinitely changed my lifestyle and perspective towards life. I learned to have greater appreciation towards my family, spend my precious time wisely, always have the ‘do your best’ attitude, and care for others as the world doesn’t just revolve around you.

Nevertheless, staying healthy and being active is equally essential.  I’ve been active in sports since my school days, and picked it up again after I’ve recovered from cancer.

Just a simple message from me out to the young people; you must find your reasons to do certain thing, which is reasonable. Find one and you will enjoy it for life. The benefits you reap will be life-long. Anyone who actively participates in sports is less likely to regret having done so. It is just simply so enjoyable!

Run For Hope is an annual running event organised in aid of cancer research. The funds accumulated from this run will help find us a better cure for cancer. Financing cancer research, for that matter any research, is costly and at the end of the day, we may come to a dead end. However, I know patients who have benefitted from cancer research and are now living longer and/or better quality of life.

14 years ago, monoclonal antibodies were not a mainstream cancer therapeutic drug. Comparatively, the landscape today is much improved and vastly enhanced.

Avid runners out there, I hope you all will take this great opportunity to participate in this run for a good cause. As for non-runners, you can always make this your first run. Let’s contribute together to cancer research and you owe it to yourself to stay active!

Finally, I just want to point out something that is not directly related to cancer research. The palliative management of patients may have to come up to speed in the pace of development and efficient provision of healthcare services. Compounding factors of aging population and increasing diagnosis of cancer are weighing in on the demand of a quality and accessible cancer management program. It will be a tall order for NCCS but we believe the Centre will do what is best for the patients at its doorsteps.

Lim Tau Wei, 40

July 2012

I was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Cancer in 2010.  Just like anyone affected by cancer, I was initially shocked by the diagnosis but I learnt to accept and deal with what came after. It was a trying period, made only easier with love and support from my family and friends who formed a velcro-like attachment to me! In many aspects it was probably a lot harder on them…  For this very reason, I refused to let my cancer be any more painful than it had to be on my loved ones and myself. My stubborn and determined personality had perhaps also (finally!) found its positive channel in my fight against cancer. I refused to be taken down just because I have ‘the Big C’.

During this journey, besides a great support system of family, friends and an employer that made a substantial difference in making it more bearable, good medical care was imperative. Medical professionals involved in the care for my condition helped to foster understanding, reassurance and instill in me a sense of ‘fighting a good fight’. Moving on after I completed my treatments, the fight continues through good lifestyle habits – running regularly and eating healthily. This forms a critical aspect towards my long-term recovery. I have also learnt to give myself a good break from what used to be a crazily hectic lifestyle. I’m still living life to the fullest as before, except it now involves committing more time to meaningful activities that I hope can help make a positive change, and putting me and my health at the forefront.

Until I was diagnosed with cancer, I never really thought about the role of cancer research. I had the same type of cancer that my grandmother had more than 10 years ago. I could recall her radiation treatment was less sophisticated back then, sadly resulting in severe side effects and a large degree of post-treatment suffering. My treatment, on the contrary, was relatively painless with minimal side effects. This was only possible with today’s technology derived from research and science that enabled the precision of administering my radiotherapy as compared to my grandmother’s.

From the knowledge that I gained during my journey, I now know and believe that research is a fundamental part of not just finding a cancer cure, but to also make cancer far less destructive. NCCS’ efforts and progress in this area plays such a big role in helping cancer patients in the long run, patients like myself who have greatly benefited from such progress. With ongoing quality research, my hope is that cancer can someday soon be relegated to the same way we treat a common flu and no longer be the killer disease we know of today.

Karen Wong, 38

Oct 2011

When I was first diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma back in January 2007, I didn’t really read up about it. All I remembered was that I was working in Four Seasons Resort at Maldives back then, and there was one day where my neck was swelling so badly that my colleagues became very concerned. The next thing I knew, I was flown back to Germany where I was diagnosed with the cancer.

All this while I kept thinking: Tell me what to do to fight this. I didn’t think that I was going to die because I was happy with my life.

I underwent chemotherapy and radiation for a couple of weeks and during then I really felt like giving up. I lost about 15-20 kg at one go. What really kept me going was the love and support I had from my family, friends and especially my company. The Vice-President of Operations (Rooms Division) called me up weekly to check on my condition and my ex-General Manager emailed the entire company, and I received many letters and cards from colleagues all over the world, wishing me a speedy recovery. The most heart-warming thing was their assurance that my job would still be there when I return.

The doctor told me that I had a good survival rate and even though I fall sick more often due to my weaker immune system, I’m happy that I’m still alive. I was cleared of my cancer within the same year but had to go back for check-ups once every six months. Now that I’m working in Singapore, I go to NCCS for my check-ups.

Never neglect your health – go for regular check-ups, especially if your family has a history of cancer. What I take with me after this is a positive attitude; fight it, look forward and don’t let your head down, even when you feel that you can’t do it anymore.

Julian Pagel, 34

Assistant Executive Housekeeper, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

Oct 2011