I’ve always believed that the way you treat your body and what you put into it is essential to your health. Genes and hereditary conditions aside, how susceptible you are to any illness also depends on diet, exercise and how you handle stress.

When I was growing up, I always seemed to enjoy watching my mother eat. She loves her vegetables, fish and fruits so it probably explains why I eat so much of it. And when it comes to food, just listen to your body. If what you eat brings your energy levels down or takes a long time to digest, chances are that particular food item is not beneficial to your system.

As for exercise, there’s no need to beat anyone’s personal best or hit a fixed target each time - just exercise according to your personal pace and…enjoy it.

Dad has placed his complete faith in God. It is incredible how powerful prayer and spiritual strength can be in healing a person, regardless of your religion. And I can’t begin to thank the countless people who have offered prayers and dedicated masses for my father. To all these angels, I thank you.

And from the very beginning, Dad also placed his trust and drew strength from the nurses and doctors, like Dr Sam Peh, Dr Terence Tan and Dr Tay Miah Hiang, whom my family will always be indebted to for their professionalism and compassion.

The National Cancer Centre has become somewhat of a second home for us and the dedication of its staff impresses me time and time again. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with smiles at the entrance. The administrative staff are patient and helpful, despite the countless daily requests they receive. The weekly chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions have certainly helped my dad, but it also took a toll on him. However, the staff at the units that provide this treatment, like Francis and his colleagues at the NCC’s Crystal Suite…certainly go out of their way to pamper their patients.

Above all, the one person who's been my father's pillar of strength...is my mother. My dad describes her as his "guardian angel". And I couldn't have phrased it any better. My mum's love, patience, devotion and the immense sacrifices she makes for my dad every minute of each day, is what's turned his life around.

My shift in the newsroom takes me well into the night, so I try to begin my day with a run. It ‘reboots’ my system, and does wonders for my energy levels and mood throughout the day.

Love is one of the most powerful tools in overcoming and dealing with any illness, which no treatment or medication can replace. No matter how impatient, pessimistic and agitated the people you love may be, in the course of their illness,… put yourself in their shoes, and imagine what it would be like if you were going through it. Many a time, all it takes is to listen…to their frustrations, as you would want someone else to listen to yours.