A fashion model turned caregiver champions cancer survivors and raises funds

 

 

  

Yan was first thrust into the limelight in her 60s, when a cold brew business that she and her husband started became successful during the pandemic. When the media interviewed the couple who founded this Gen-Z company, Yan’s striking looks and style was noticed by several local brands who approached her to model for them.

Having never been in the spotlight before, Yan was initially camera shy until her son, Chia Rong Liang, urged her to be photographed.

“What’s the big deal, it’s only a photo!”

With his encouragement, she decided to face her fears and started accepting modest modelling gigs which eventually led to the big time when she appeared on the cover of Singapore’s Harper’s Bazaar Magazine in 2021.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be a model, I thought I would just give it my best.”

As more modelling opportunities came up, Yan realised she could use the platform for good. She decided to donate a portion of what she earned from modelling to charity and use her social media presence to encourage seniors to live their life to the fullest.  

 

In that moment of shock, the news didn’t fully sink in, but after Yan started looking up information online on pancreatic cancer, it began to dawn on her how serious his condition was.

“I broke down and cried, but knew that as his mum I could not do this in public and had to be strong for my child,” said Yan.

Thus began Yan’s turn as her son’s caregiver. 

“I will do anything to make my son smile, but not all days are easy, and there have been many ups as well as downs.”

In caring for her son, Yan became conscious of the challenges that cancer patients face. These include coping with the side effects of disease and treatment, which leaves them feeling weak and unable to go about their daily lives; and coping with the emotional struggles of having a life-threatening disease. She was also concerned that some patients may need help with treatment costs.

“During my son’s consultation, I became aware of how expensive treatment can be and wondered how some families might struggle with the financial burden.”

Yan decided to use her influence as a fashion icon to launch Fashion For Cancer, a charity fashion show which aimed to raise SG$100,000 for the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Cancer Fund while empowering cancer survivors to build their confidence. Yan chose to support the NCCS Cancer Fund because she wanted to contribute to an organisation that directly benefitted patients and that did cancer research to improve patient’s outcomes in the future.

Putting together Fashion For Cancer turned out to be easier than Yan initially expected. 

“I reached out to a few contacts and before I knew it, they contacted other people to help or knew someone who agreed to be part of the show. Everyone knew someone who had been touched by cancer.”

Local fashion brands volunteered to sponsor clothes for the fashion show while notable DJs and singers signed up to perform. A past Miss Universe Singapore trained the models for the catwalk and photographers and choreographers helped Yan run the fashion show. Over 70 volunteers showed up to help. 

The 100 tickets for Fashion for Cancer sold out almost a month before the show and despite some challenges prior to the event it went smoothly on 25 August 2023. Sixteen cancer patients and survivors, aged nine to 59, walked the runway, decked in local jewellery and clothing brands, in a display of dignity, strength and resilience. 

 

Chia Rong Liang rocking the Fashion For Cancer runway

 

 

 

Charlie Rose (left), the youngest survivor, enjoying the spotlight with her mother and younger sister

 

 

 The models of Fashion For Cancer

“It takes a community of people with compassion and love to make the Fashion For Cancer charity fashion show a success.  I am most grateful to each and every one of them,” said Yan.

Yan is buoyed by the Fashion For Cancer’s success in raising awareness for cancer and helping survivors reclaim their identity. Her plan is to make it a regular event to raise funds for cancer patients in need and for cancer research. 

The NCCS Cancer Fund supports financial assistance for patients in need, cancer education, training for medical professionals and cancer research aimed at making treatment breakthroughs. To support the fund, please visit NCCS Giving.