What Philanthropy Can Do: Every Dollar Counts

"As someone who has been living with cancer for the past 10 years, every dollar donated is a relief. It helps cancer patients who are struggling financially to not have to choose between eating our next meal or having our next treatment.”

These powerful words were shared by National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) patient, Mr Johnny Neo at a donor appreciation event organised by NCCS Division of Community Outreach & Philanthropy this year. 

Called "Lo with Hope, Hei with Heart", the event brought together NCCS donors and partners to welcome the Year of the Horse with a programme that included a panel discussion with Mr Neo and NCCS oncologists, a guided tour of NCCS facilities, and the tradition of Lo Hei ("tossing up good luck") – symbolising the collective hope for abundant blessings and good health for all in the year ahead.

Esteemed donors and partners were invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year with NCCS leadership, clinicians, researchers and senior healthcare staff.

Support to tackle the rising incidence of cancer

“Rising cancer incidence and persistently low cancer screening participation rates tell us that we must do more to tackle these pressing healthcare challenges. So we are grateful for the generous contributions from donors that support our patients, and enable us to pursue game-changing research and cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence,” shared Professor Lim Soon Thye, Chief Executive Officer, NCCS, during his opening address.

NCCS CEO Prof Lim Soon Thye emphasised the vital importance of philanthropy in enabling the pursuit of innovation and research to improve cancer care. 

The NCCS Cancer Fund provides essential support by alleviating the financial difficulties that cancer patients face. One patient who has benefitted from this safety net is Mr Neo. 

In 2016, 50-year-old Mr Neo was diagnosed with stage 3B liver cancer, which then spread to his lungs. As he had to stop working during treatment, it was a financial struggle during this time. At the Lo Hei event, Mr Neo openly shared how medical expenses added another layer of suffering to his cancer treatment journey.

“The financial support from the NCCS Cancer Fund provides critical respite for those of us fighting cancer with financial strain. It allows us to make decisions with greater ease. Something as simple as enabling us to pay for a taxi to come for cancer treatment when we are too weak or tired from the side effects to take public transport,” shared Mr Neo.

He also addressed donors directly and said, “Your generosity helps us to confront the reality of our cancer diagnosis – and assures us that we are not alone in bearing the burden.”

Mr Johnny Neo, an NCCS patient and a beneficiary of the NCCS Cancer Fund, together with his wife and daughter.

The critical role of philanthropy for research

During the panel discussion, Professor Ravindran Kanesvaran, Chairman and Senior Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, NCCS, addressed the competitive landscape of research funding. 

"Singapore drives numerous ongoing impactful research projects that require support, yet not every project will secure government funding. Meanwhile, private sector funding typically focuses on specific disease areas."

From left to right: Mr Johnny Neo, NCCS patient; Dr Tam Wai Leong, Deputy CEO (Research), NCCS; Prof Ravindran Kanesvaran, Chairman and Senior Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, NCCS; Dr Ivan Woo, Head, Dept of Psychosocial Oncology, NCCS; Ms Charlotte Koh, Deputy Director, Division of Community Outreach and Philanthropy, NCCS.

“This is precisely why philanthropy is crucial – to enable us to advance state-of-the-art, groundbreaking research that might otherwise lack resources,” Prof Ravindran emphasised. 

Dr Tam Wai Leong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Research), NCCS shared that philanthropic support is especially valuable for early-stage research projects. 

“Initial funding allows these early-stage projects to gather essential data needed to secure additional support, ultimately bringing scientific breakthroughs from the bench to bedside. This is particularly key for research studies with longer timelines but greater potential impact.”

Healing that money cannot buy

Major gifts to the NCCS Cancer Fund also support patient care programmes like the EnReach retreat run by the NCCS Department of Psychosocial Oncology. The retreat is a 3-day 2-night stay-in programme run annually which is aimed at providing psychosocial support and uplifting patients and families on their cancer journey. 

Mr Neo, shared that he enjoyed the chance to connect with fellow patients during the EnReach retreat in 2024. Similarly, his wife drew strength and encouragement from other caregivers at the event. Most importantly, Mr Neo saw the programme’s positive effect on his then eight-year-old daughter, who was only six months old when he was first diagnosed with cancer. 

“I saw that the art activities that she joined in during the retreat helped her to process the reality of my condition,” he reflected.

“The EnReach retreat helped my family experience emotional breakthroughs and healing that money simply cannot buy,” he shared, expressing gratitude to the donors whose generosity made it possible.

Mr Neo shared about how the EnReach retreat supported and encouraged him and his family.

Dr Ivan Woo, Head, Department of Psychosocial Oncology, NCCS, reinforced the importance of support for cancer patients, “Investing in relationships is especially crucial when someone faces cancer. Human connection helps to improve treatment success and enables patients to maintain their dignity and quality of life.”

If you would like to support more patients like Mr Neo, please email donate@nccs.com.sg or give to the NCCS Cancer Fund.

For more information on NCCS patient support programmes, please click here.