“Hi, I’m Rachel. I’m the mother of Hayden. Hayden is 10 this year.

He was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma about six years ago when he was four years old. We went through a full range of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant.

Hayden missed about one and a half years of preschool before starting primary school. It was tough for him to catch up, especially with subjects like Chinese. Thankfully, VIVA’s MindChamps tuition programme helped him improve.

VIVA’s support has been invaluable—not just during diagnosis and treatment, but also through their survivorship programme. We’ve participated in various activities, like a drone-flying event, which was a fun and relaxing break from everything.

VIVA plays a vital role in supporting families like ours. Raising a child takes a village, and raising a child with cancer requires even more effort, time, and resources. VIVA has been there at every stage—diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and now survivorship.

They don’t just support children directly with activities, but also the doctors treating them and the parents through various programmes. The MindChamps programme, in particular, helps children catch up on their studies, which is crucial since they miss a significant part of their education during treatment.

What VIVA is doing is truly amazing. Please continue the great work. We have benefited so much, and we are deeply grateful. Thank you, Mrs. Yeo, and thank you to the entire VIVA team.”