Surviving Two Cancers Spurred this Survivor to Pay it Forward

Ellil Mathiyan’s story is the stuff of inspiration. He is a survivor who stared down not one, but two cancers and emerged as a beacon of hope to others. 

In 2011, a rectal cancer diagnosis marked the start of his battle with the disease. No sooner had he undergone surgery when doctors discovered he also had testicular cancer. 

In addition to this double diagnosis, he had to wear a stoma bag on his abdomen to collect stool. Radiotherapy left the skin between his legs raw with pain. It was a blow to outgoing Ellil who has always loved sports like swimming, Zumba and squash. He wondered if life would go back to normal.  

Drawing Strength from Support Groups 

What helped Ellil was finding his tribe. He joined various support groups, some of which were run by the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). There, he found people who understood exactly what he had been through. 

Since then, Ellil has found purpose in helping others like him. His illustrious volunteer resume speaks volumes: He is presently the vice-chair of the Semi-Colons, an SCS support group for colorectal patients, in addition to being a founding member of the Ostomy Association of Singapore which looks into the needs of people with stoma bags. 

For the past few years, he has volunteered with the SCS Patient and Family Partnership Programme. Through this, he has supported various initiatives and projects that require input from the patient’s perspective, such as the development of the SCS Cancer Survivorship Centre. 

He is also part of the Relay for Life committee, an annual fundraising event organised by SCS to rally the public in support of the cancer community. 

From Double Diagnosis to Desert Triumph 

Ellil is determined that no cancer survivor should feel any less just because of a diagnosis. 

It is what pushed him to embark on extreme expeditions in support of the cancer community. 2018 saw him undertaking a gruelling four-day trek through the Gobi Desert. The following year, he was one of two cancer survivors to trek through Northern Mongolia in freezing conditions. Both trips were meant to raise funds for SCS. 

But perhaps more importantly, Ellil wants to send a message that cancer is far from a death sentence. “I want people to know that, even with adverse health conditions, they can still lead an active life and live life to the fullest! It’s not the end of life as we know it,” he has said of his previous overseas treks. 

There is no doubt that Ellil’s journey has been a remarkable one: From survivor, volunteer, adventurer, and a shining example of resilience and triumph over cancer.