Dr Sreyashi Biswas, Travelling Fellow from Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai
I am Dr Sreyashi Biswas, Fellow of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the organisers, faculty and the sponsors who have enabled my presence here tonight.
Experience, skill and opportunity are the basic tenets of academic prowess, and it is due to the benevolence of the VIVA foundation that I have been a beneficiary of the latter two. Thank you for providing me the chance to learn from some of the finest minds in the fascinating and ever evolving field of pediatric oncology. The ideas and knowledge shared have allowed me to further enhance my skills, and positively impact the manner in which I shall henceforth approach every patient of mine. The next time a patient and their parents smile with a sense of relief in my ward, I will always remember the contribution made by St Jude Viva Forum.
Thank you and Namaste.”
Dr Paolo, Travelling Fellow from Philippine General Hospital in Manila, Philippines
“My name is Paolo, and I am a Pediatric Oncologist from the Philippine General Hospital in Manila, Philippines—our country’s national referral hospital. Every year, our center sees at least 200 new cases of pediatric cancer from all over the country. First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the VIVA Foundation for inviting us to be here. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a traveling fellow for the past three years. Each experience has been uniquely enriching, and I am deeply thankful to the VIVA Foundation for bringing together global experts and giving us the opportunity to learn from them.
In the Philippines, we continue to strive to provide the best possible care for our children, despite facing significant challenges and resource constraints. Forums like this allow us to not only learn from experts around the world but also share our own experiences and insights. It is truly inspiring to be in the company of people who share the same passion and dedication. This exchange of knowledge motivates us to grow not only as doctors but also as better individuals committed to making a difference.
While there are still many obstacles ahead, we take comfort in knowing that we are not alone in this journey. We stand united with all of you in our shared mission to improve the lives of children battling cancer.
Once again, thank you to the VIVA Foundation and St. Jude for this incredible opportunity.”
Dr Yaulia, Travelling Fellow from Dharmais National Cancer Centre Hospital of Indonesia, Jakarta
My name is Yaulia, and I am a paediatrician in Indonesia with an interest in paediatric haematology and oncology. Currently, I am working in the Dharmais National Cancer Centre Hospital of Indonesia in Jakarta. As the name implies, our hospital specifically handles cases of adult and paediatric cancer. In the pediatric field, We also collaborate with all hospitals that handle pediatric cancer and all cancer network hospitals in Indonesia. Currently, some colleagues from Indonesia also present here.
I am very grateful and fortunate to attend this St. Jude VIVA Forum. During these days, this forum and discussion provided me with the opportunity to broaden my knowledge and understand the latest issues and concerns in paediatric cancer treatment. This forum has given me new perspectives and extremely important knowledge. I intend to share this information and expertise with my peers and coworkers through presentations, talks, and training sessions. I believe that by sharing this expertise, I can contribute positively to the healthcare community and help to improve the quality of paediatric cancer care.
I’d like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to VIVA and the sponsors that made this event possible. This event would not have happened without your active support. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between VIVA Indonesia and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia was signed in the middle of last year. It states that the two organisations will work together to improve the care of children with cancer by means of medical treatment, education, and translational research, beginning with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), which is the most prevalent type of cancer in children.
We hope this collaboration can proceed well and look forward to tangible results for our pediatric cancer patients. Indonesia is a large country with a population of 281 million people, with children making up 28.9% of that number. Every year, the WHO estimates 400,000 cases, and in 2020, GLOBOCAN projected 12,400 new cases of childhood cancer in Indonesia. Based on a survey of members of the pediatric hematology oncology working group, the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (2024) estimates the discovery of 4,000 new cases per year, with 50% of them successfully recorded and monitored, resulting in a low survival rate of around 24% three-year overall survival. With the vastness of the country and the large population, we in Indonesia face a significant problem of childhood cancer. There is still a lot of empty space that is our collective responsibility. Therefore, we need cooperation and collaboration from all parties, including medical professionals, sponsors, and donors, in helping these children. Because humanity is beyond age, country, and border. Thank you.”
Sham, VIVA Volunteer
“Of course I would love to volunteer again! The event planning is absolutely amazing and the welfare of the volunteers are very well taken care of. I think VIVA Fiesta is a really meaningful event to engage the public and let them learn more about what VIVA Foundation is all about and raise as much funds as possible for children with cancer”.
HongLei Liu, VIVA Volunteer
“I came for VIVA Fiesta last year, and I thought that it was quite meaningful, so I decided to come again this year. I thought that if I can help out again, I should go and help out at the event. I’m quite satisfied as everything is provided and the instructions are clear as well. I would definitely volunteer for the next event too!”
Rachel, VIVA beneficiary
“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.”
Mrs Chow, VIVA beneficiary
“One support that I have gathered from VIVA is a programme where they have invited doctors from around the world to come to Singapore to hold a session where they shared about beyond survivorship. This is something that I was not aware of, I did not know there were such implications on survivors. This programme gave me comfort, support and an avenue to go to and allowed me to meet other parents like me, and survivors like my son, Jovan. Thank you Mrs Yeo, I’m so glad that you founded this foundation and help many children like Jovan, who has benefitted so much, directly and indirectly. There are no words that I can use to express my gratitude.”
Marianne, VIVA beneficiary
“Hi, my name is Marianne, and my son, Joel Lim, is one of the beneficiaries of the VIVA Foundation.
He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in 2005. We have been on this journey with VIVA for many years and have benefited tremendously from their research collaboration with St. Jude and other medical institutions worldwide.
This research has been life-changing for my son, ensuring he received the timely treatment he needed. We are forever grateful for everything VIVA has done for Joel. Their collaboration with top hospitals, including St. Jude, and other leading medical groups has had a significant impact.
VIVA continues to provide life-saving treatment and financial relief for families, making sure our children receive the best care without the burden of overwhelming costs. For parents in Singapore, it is a huge comfort knowing that we have access to world-class treatment.
With a grateful heart, I want to acknowledge all the great work VIVA has done. Every donor and every dollar spent has made a real difference. I hope this support continues, bringing hope to children so that they can have a future.”
Lucas, VIVA beneficiary and volunteer
I want to also express my gratitude to VIVA Foundation for Children with Cancer. VIVA foundation has provided me, a cancer survivor, multiple opportunities to empower children and their caregivers through volunteering and being a mouthpiece for them. By supporting VIVA, you are in turn supporting all of the people hard at work behind the scenes, and most importantly supporting the children. My sincere thanks to the Foundation for all their work and tireless efforts in helping children with cancer, including me, to live healthier, happier lives.
Xin Tong, VIVA beneficiary
I had medulloblastoma when I was 15 years old. For me, the hardest part about being sick was not being able to go out with friends and enjoy things like playing or walking in the mall. I am most happy when participating in events with people that had gone through cancer like me. So far, my favourite programme with VIVA was the Sidecar – Ride for Hope event. It was a unique experience as I’ve never done it before in my life. I would like to say thank you to VIVA for planning all the events and making it happen!
