From Runway to Running: 2024 marked a year of great strides in giving for a cancer-free future

By Cheryl Sng

Singaporeans from all walks of life came together in 2024 to give generously for cancer patients and research. (Credit: Fashion For Cancer Limited)

As cancer incidence increases in Singapore, patients and their families need additional support with the financial, social, emotional and psychological challenges that they face during their cancer journey.

While financial aid is available to help with the cost of cancer treatment, support often does not extend to cover the various psychosocial needs of patients and caregivers such as counselling to cope with life changes related to a cancer diagnosis, transportation costs to and from medical appointments, costs of medical devices such as crutches or wheelchairs, and more.

Recognising these gaps and the need to improve cancer care for patients, fundraising initiatives such as Run for Hope 2024, Fashion for Cancer 2024 and the SingHealth President's Challenge 2024 play a crucial role in uniting Singaporeans from all walks of life in a shared mission to support those affected by cancer, advance cancer research and offer hope of a cancer-free tomorrow.

Here's how these meaningful fundraising events have been making a difference in the lives of many.

More than just a fashion show

Fashion For Cancer is the brainchild of model, Ms Ong Bee Yan who lost her son to pancreatic cancer in 2023. (Credit: Fashion For Cancer Limited)

Fashion For Cancer 2024, the second edition of the local charity fashion show that brings hope and positivity to those battling cancer, took place on 31 August at The Westin Singapore. Organised by model and activist Ms Ong Bee Yan, who lost her son to pancreatic cancer in 2023, the 2024 event saw 24 cancer survivors-turned-models, aged four to 63 years old, walk the runway. Over 400 guests attended, including fashion enthusiasts, fashion designers, cancer survivors and healthcare professionals.

NCCS leads SingHealth President's Challenge 2024 to raise $1.31 million

SingHealth raised a total of $1.31 million for the President's Challenge 2024 that was presented to GOH President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Grand Finale event on 5 October 2024.

This year marked the 20^th year that SingHealth as a cluster has been fundraising for the community. Themed "Igniting Hope through Compassion", the SingHealth President's Challenge (SHPC) 2024 campaign was led by NCCS to raise funds for five adopted President's Challenge benefitting organisations – Singapore Cancer Society, Singapore Hospice Council, SingHealth Fund, Ang Mo Kio - Thye Hua Kwan Hospital, and Shan You. Fundraising and outreach activities included a pledge card donation drive, charity bazaars, and activities with clients of the adopted benefitting organisations. A total of $1.31 million was raised by 33,000 SingHealth staff who rallied to lend a helping hand to the more vulnerable members of our community.  

More than 1,500 people attended the 'SingHealth Lights Up Lives" family carnival held on 31 August at the Promontory @ Marina Bay

The SHPC 2024 signature event 'SingHealth Lights Up Lives (LUL)' on 31 August at the Promontory @ Marina Bay featured a family carnival with games, food and fitness challenges. Attended by more than 1,500 SingHealth staff, families and members from benefitting organisations, the event secured entry into the Singapore Book of Records with participants lighting up the night sky to form a giant glittering heart with their mobile phone torchlights.

SingHealth got into the Singapore Book of Records with participants lighting up the night skies to form a giant glittering heart with their mobile phone torchlights.

 "In addition to fundraising, we wanted to promote an active and healthy lifestyle through fitness activities as an active lifestyle plays an important role in disease prevention, enhancing mental health and overall well-being, As NCCS marks its 25th anniversary this year, the fundraising was especially meaningful and we are grateful for all the support and contributions from our colleagues, partners and sponsors in making the campaign a success!" said Dr Eileen Poon, Chairman, SingHealth President's Challenge 2024, and Senior Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, NCCS.

Going the distance for a cancer-free future

Run for Hope 2024 raised over $130,000 for cancer research

On 17 November, the tranquil Marina Barrage transformed into a vibrant sea of hope and determination as more than 5,000 runners, volunteers and supporters gathered to participate in the Run for Hope 2024 event.

Organised by NCCS and Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, the event raised more than $130,000 to fund cancer research. Funds raised will go towards advancing cancer research to bring hope to cancer patients and their families. Among the participants were cancer survivors and their families, healthcare staff and members of the public. Guest-of-Honour Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development flagged off the event.

More than 5,000 runners, volunteers and supporters gathered and participated in the Run for Hope 2024.

"Most of us have a loved one who has been affected by cancer, and we know the devastating effect it can have on so many lives. Every step taken at Run for Hope will go a long way to directly support the work of NCCS doctors and researchers who work tirelessly to improve the diagnosis, treatment and care of cancer and give hope to all who are diagnosed with the disease" shared Prof Lim Soon Thye, Chief Executive Officer, NCCS.