Lean On You… a project in support of cancer sufferers

Wednesday, 28 Dec 2011

Singapore, 28 Dec 2011 – Three enterprising friends, headed by Jerry Hoh, Julie Wee and Nat Ho, have put their creativity together to support a good cause – create greater awareness on cancer and the sufferings of the patients and families.

Using music and song, and relying purely on social networking media and platforms, they hope to rally friends and the public to know more about cancer and how the National Cancer Centre Singapore is carrying out cutting-edge research work to overcome the disease.

Jerry, known for his roles in a number of TV drama series and sitcoms, including The Pupil, Point of Entry and Singapore Short Stories, said: “Without exception, we all have a family member, relative or a friend who has been affected by cancer. Some of them have survived but some are still battling the disease. This is a growing concern which we feel it is time to sit up and ring the alarm.”

Indeed, medical statistics have shown that one in three people will likely be stricken by cancer. It is on this very premise that Jerry came together with fellow artistes Nat Ho and Julie Wee to initiate “Lean On You”. Nat Ho is a popular local actor famous for his roles in Polo Boys, Already Famous and he will be hosting the upcoming Channel 5 Countdown. Julie Wee is a stage actress and a voiceover talent with The Importance of Being Earnest and Much Ado about Nothing under her belt.

An original song with lyrics by Jerry and music composed by Melissa Poon, the title “Lean On You” became the nucleus of this awareness drive. Julie enthused: “The song was written to reach out to the audience and listeners for support and understanding: ‘Keep me dry, keep me warm. Bring me light, bring me hope. Let me lean on you’.”

With lead vocals by Julie, Nat and Jerry, 30 friends were also invited to sing the endchorus from their homes all across the island. Their voices and videos were mixed, woven and edited into the last part of the music video as a “virtual group chorus”.

Jerry and his team are inviting everyone to visit the Lean On You website (www.leanonyou.com) to watch this music video. In addition, there is another edited music-video version of Lean On You as sung by Julie, Nat and Jerry (“Trio”).

Nat said: “Do watch the individual clips of our friends passionately singing their hearts out! Their commitment speaks volumes.” Also on the website is an array of individually-made trailers. Some offer humourous entertainment pointing to the importance of charity while others are more message-driven. There is also important information relating to cancer research and the National Cancer Centre Singapore.

In appealing for public support, Jerry said: “We believe that with the power of the Internet and social networking media, we can swell and grow to be a significant force. With music, entertainment and our Lean On You website as the springboard, let us share this message of hope and optimism and spread the awareness to support cancer research. Join us in this cause close to our hearts. Do spread the word to everyone!”

NCCS, which is set to be a global leading institution, also offers specialist training programmes to other medical institutions here and overseas.