Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Menu

Creating positive imprint, one print at a time!

It is commonly known that cancer is usually diagnosed in people aged 65 years or older. However, while it is more common in older adults, it can affect the young too. 

This was the case for Yan who experienced symptoms of acid reflux, shortness of breath and felt a lump near her ribcage. She visited her family doctor who advised her to go to Singapore General Hospital A&E after an X-ray showed signs of fluid in the lung. After undergoing several different tests, Yan was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (a rare type of cancer that forms in soft tissue) in December 2019 at the age of 19. 

 “There are no words to describe what I felt when I heard the cancer diagnosis, but somehow I was not very surprised. I had read up on one of the tests I was going to undergo and started preparing myself mentally. However, when the diagnosis eventually came, I wanted to escape the reality of it." 

While going through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Yan shared that nausea, fatigue and anxiety were some of the most common side effects she experienced. On days when she felt she had more energy, she found that learning a new skill, digital art, helped to keep her going. 

“I started learning digital art from scratch in late January 2021 and to document my journey. Slowly, I started to make my own merchandise while I was undergoing chemotherapy. I started by creating a keychain, followed by stickers and prints and slowly expanded to include more items. So far I've tried making coasters, totes, cup, and pouches.” 

After her cancer treatment, Yan was determined to create a positive impact. That was when she decided to spread awareness about cancer and the idea of fundraising came to mind. She began her research and worked with other local digital artists to bring their creative ideas to fruition a few months later. They now raise funds for the NCCS Sarcoma Research Fund by selling fundraiser sets which consist of stickers, art prints and a mini book featuring their digital artwork. The items are available at an online store. 

It was after she shared about her fundraising ideas with her doctors that Yan learned about the cancer fund which aims to advance sarcoma research. She believes that other cancer survivors or families of those who have been affected by cancer would feel the same way about the importance of cancer research. 

In conjunction with Sarcoma Awareness Month this July, Yan is currently raising funds for the Sarcoma Research Fund. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of the Sarcoma Awareness Month Fundraiser Set will go to the Sarcoma Research Fund at Oncology ACP to advance translational research and improve treatment outcomes for sarcoma patients. You can make a positive contribution to cancer research by purchasing the Sarcoma Awareness Month Fundraiser Set at: https://thesamproj.carrd.co/

Support our research efforts to fight Sarcoma by making a donation today! www.giving.sg/nccs-cancer-fund/sarcoma_research_fund_oncology_acp


Yan (right) and a friend at a physical pop-up merchandise booth.