He “Gifted” His Birthday to Singapore’s Cancer Community

As Mr Wee Say Sun posed for his birthday photo, he knew in his heart this was no ordinary celebration. 

The mood at the SCS Survivorship Center was buoyant. The newly-launched centre had been dubbed as an oasis for cancer survivors to connect and find resources to support their recovery journey. Today, the space was infused with natural light and the high spirits of its party guests. 

Mr Wee counted at least 70 people who had come for his celebration. Among them were SCS staff as well as members from his prostate cancer support group, the Walnut Warriors. United by their shared diagnosis, his new friends had stuck with him as he battled the ups and downs of the disease. 

And now, they were all here for his 70th birthday which was when he had chosen to launch his new project: The SCS Birthday Givebacks campaign. 

No Presents, Just Donations please

Mr Wee’s campaign was dedicated to the memory of his late wife, who had succumbed to leukemia. Now that Mr Wee himself was battling prostrate cancer, he felt an urgent need to do something. 

His birthday initiative aimed to raise support for the Singapore Cancer Society. “SCS has put a lot of work into education,” acknowledged Mr Wee. A self-funded organisation, SCS is a leading advocate of early cancer detection and prevention in Singapore. With the opening of its Survivorship Centre at Woods Square – complete with volunteer and enrichment opportunities – the society aims to do more for the cancer community beyond traditional treatment. 

Mr Wee has personally experienced how SCS improves the quality of life for cancer patients. He had found a vital source of support in the Walnut Warriors – one of the many support groups facilitated by SCS. Over the group’s WhatsApp messages and exercise sessions, Mr Wee discovered a second family. “They understand what I talk about,” he said, highlighting their shared connection. 

Seeing Hope in Gloom

Such support has been crucial in helping Mr Wee maintain a positive mindset. “There is always hope. We must believe and do what is necessary to survive and live with cancer,” is his urgent message to other cancer patients. “Have faith in ourselves and [know that] you are never alone. Fight on.”

Mr Wee hopes his birthday campaign will empower others to give back to the cancer community. With just a few clicks on Giving.sg, anyone can now fundraise for SCS under the banner of the Birthday Givebacks campaign. 

Indeed, this recent go at fundraising has given him a taste for more. “Maybe I can do this again on my 80th birthday!”