Why I climbed to Everest base camp for cancer

This year, Dr Jerry Song undertook a life-changing journey to Everest Base Camp, not just to challenge himself physically, but to raise awareness and funds for cancer care and research. 

Inspired by patients and personal loss

Currently training as a medical officer, Dr Song rotates through various institutions in Singapore’s public healthcare system. From January to April 2025, he was posted to the Division of Medical Oncology at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), a posting that he found deeply meaningful. 

Dr Song had already encountered cancer in his personal life. During his school days, one of his best friends passed away from leukaemia, and later in life he was a caregiver to his grandmother during her battle with pancreatic cancer. 

These personal experiences were further reinforced when he met the patients at NCCS. 

“I especially remember one patient who told me, ‘If you really want to help me, just hold my hand,’” said Dr Song. “It made me reflect on whether there was more I could do, beyond clinical care, to support people living with cancer.” 

Climb for a cause

Dr Jerry Song ran a 50km ultramarathon from Tagaytay City to Balayan Baywalk Park in the Philippines in 2017. 

An avid sportsman since he was a teenager, Dr Song used to compete in marathons, ultramarathons, and Ironman triathlons. But his athletic pursuits took a back seat during his busy housemanship training. 

Still, the spirit of adventure never left him. With encouragement from his clinical mentors at NCCS he decided to start a campaign called Everest of Hope – by trekking to Everest Base Camp to raise funds for the NCCS Cancer Fund. 

An unforgettable journey  

In April 2025, Dr Jerry Song climbed to Everest Base Camp to raise funds for cancer care and research. 

At the end of April, Dr Song began the two-week, 130-kilometre hike to Everest Base Camp, which sits at an altitude of 5,364 metres. Despite limited preparation due to the intensity and demands of his work, he remained determined. 

“I didn’t think I needed much training since I hike in my free time, but I was wrong! What kept me going was the promise I made to myself and to my patients, that I would never give up.” 

The trek also fulfilled a long-held wish to explore the Himalayas. Along the way, he was moved by the grandeur of the mountains, the serenity of snow-covered stupas, and the warmth of the people he met along the way. 

“The experience changed my outlook on life. What matters most is making meaningful connections and being fully present in each moment.”  

One of the highlights of Dr Jerry Song’s Everest Base Camp climb was making meaningful connections with other climbers. 

Support Everest of Hope 

Dr Jerry Song’s strikes a pose at the top of Everest Base Camp! 

“Cancer affects millions and touches entire communities,” said Dr Song. “But by pulling together, we have the power to make a difference.” 

Dr Song’s experience shows that difficult challenges can be overcome, one step at a time. Likewise, every little effort – from raising awareness to making a donation to fund support programmes – can help to ease the challenges that cancer patients face. 

Dr Song has returned to Singapore and is now at a new hospital posting, but his mission continues. 

“Everest of Hope was just the start! I’m excited to find new ways to bring people together to support the cancer community.”