Helping others as a cancer survivor

Miss Florence Loh, 63 and a retiree, has been warming hearts through her knitted creations for the past six years. As a member of Knit and Krafts For Hope, a volunteer group, Florence is part of a team that knits and distributes hats and knitted knockers, makes cards and supports breast cancer patients at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). 

“When I first started, I kept dropping the knitting needles as I did not know how to hold them correctly.  I made many mistakes and had to learn how to unpick a lot of incorrect stitches!” said Florence.

The challenges did not deter her, determined to do her bit for cancer patients. Florence regularly attended Knit and Krafts For Hope knitting classes held at NCCS and under the guidance of founder Ms Lyn Ee and other members of the group, she began to improve at the craft.  

Florence herself is a survivor who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, after she discovered a lump in her left breast and was referred by the polyclinic to NCCS to undergo treatment.

Though shocked and saddened by the diagnosis, Florence knew she had to seek medical treatment immediately to stop the cancer from spreading. She had surgery to remove the tumour, breast reconstruction and underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy.

The battle against cancer was not easy as she experienced various sides effects associated with chemotherapy, such as hair loss. Seeing huge clumps of hair on her pillow and floor daily was a huge blow to her self-esteem and confidence. 

Fortunately, her supportive network of family, close friends, church friends and pastors rallied around her and took turns to care for her by helping to buy groceries, cooking and ensuring she had balanced and nutritious meals while undergoing treatment. 

Her close friends accompanied her for treatment and she was grateful for the comfort, encouragement and prayers from her church friends and pastors.

“Their support made a huge difference and gave me the courage to get my head shaved when the hair loss started bothering me. I felt so liberated when I stepped out of the hair salon!”  

During her treatment, Florence became a member of the NCCS Breast Cancer Support Group and found comfort in the company of fellow patients and medical social workers who offered a listening ear, support and advice. Being a member sparked her interest in volunteering as she wanted to pay it forward and lend a helping hand to others newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

Besides volunteering with Knit and Krafts For Hope, Florence is also an active member of NCCS’ S.N.A.C.Ks, and Hats and Knockers Distribution since 2017. 

 

Through the S.N.A.C.Ks programme, Florence serves hot drinks and biscuits to patients at the NCCS’ Ambulatory Treatment Unit and takes the opportunity to interact with them to share information on the Hats and Knockers distribution and create awareness for the various support group programmes in NCCS.

“It brings me joy to hear that my little actions can help someone going through a challenging time. Volunteering at NCCS is also a way for me express my appreciation for the good medical care I received during my treatment,” shared Florence.

Florence has completed her cancer treatment and now has regular follow-ups with her doctors to ensure she remains healthy and well. 

She hopes to pick up more skills to help others. 

“Never underestimate what little things you can do for others. The experience of being able to bring a smile to someone face through the simple act of knitting has been rewarding and fulfilling.”

To sign up as a volunteer with NCCS or learn more about programmes such as Knit and Krafts For Hope and S.N.A.C.Ks, please email volunteer@nccs.com.sg.