Your Stories – Page 2

Ms Sin Yee

It is a privilege to care for children and their families during one of the most difficult times of their lives. Their courage motivates me to continue learning and improving the care we deliver.

Ms Ma Rui

Caring for children with cancer is both a challenge and a calling. Each child’s journey inspires me to keep learning, growing, and giving my best every day.

Ron, VIVA Volunteer

Hi, I’m Ron Tan, 53 years old. I volunteer with VIVA as a photographer, capturing moments from our events and activities.

I’m a father of three wonderful teenagers, and children’s wellbeing has always been close to my heart. Seeing children struggle with illness is heartbreaking — it affects their daily lives, limits their opportunities, and places a heavy burden on their parents and caregivers.

Through my photography, I hope to give the public a glimpse into the lives and events at VIVA, and to raise awareness of the importance of supporting these children. I see my contribution not as work, but as a meaningful opportunity to give back.

I first met Sherene Chen and Bastian, the managers of the organisation. They were very friendly and welcoming, which made me feel comfortable right from the start. Later on, I met the rest of the team like Jennifer Yeo and Wong Hao and we connected well.

Everything was well-organised — from event details to timing and expectations — so I could plan my work smoothly. I could sense the dedication and sincerity in the environment. It was a good experience overall, and I felt supported from day one.

Through VIVA, I’ve met many caring and positive people. Everyone contributes in their own way, and there’s a strong sense of teamwork and purpose. It’s a small but meaningful community built on compassion and shared values.

For me, the biggest reward is seeing the children’s smiles and the joy in their families. Capturing those real, happy moments feels very fulfilling. When I see others enjoying the photos or reliving those memories, that’s already mission accomplished for me.

Volunteering requires commitment and compassion, but it gives back just as much. Using my time and skills to bring a bit of happiness or awareness to others is already very rewarding.

Through my lens, I hope others can see the warmth and life behind every event. It’s my small way of contributing, and I see it as a privilege for me, rather than simply giving my time away.

Remember, everyone can give!

Maggie, VIVA Volunteer

I am Maggie Chung Monnier originally from Hong Kong. At VIVA, I serve as a program designer and art teacher. I create art programs that inspire children to discover joy, hope, and love through creativity. In my sessions, I guide them to express their emotions and dreams through watercolor, acrylic painting, and fun handicrafts. Each activity is designed to spark imagination and remind them that even the smallest creative moments can bring comfort, courage, and happiness.

As an artist, I always believe that art can speak when words can’t — it can heal, connect, and bring light to difficult times. A few years ago, during a challenging time in my life, I returned to painting, and it helped me find peace and strength. That experience shaped my mission — to capture and magnify small moments that bring hope and joy, because even the smallest spark can make a big difference. Supporting VIVA through art allows me to live out that mission by sharing creativity and love with children who are bravely fighting cancer.

My first experience with VIVA was during the June 2025 holiday program, themed “Small Hands, Big Dreams.” I guided the children to imagine their dreams and paint self-portraits of themselves achieving them. They were so open and full of imagination — we connected instantly. Their paintings were bright, bold, and full of life. Seeing how each child’s small brushstroke could express such strength and hope reminded me how small moments of creativity can make big changes in how we feel and see the world.

I’ve found a community filled with love, trust, and genuine care. The staff and volunteers are always ready to support one another — we share the same heart for giving and joy in seeing the children shine. It’s a space where small acts of kindness truly ripple outward, touching everyone involved.

The most precious gift I’ve received is friendship — with the children and their families, the staff and the volunteers. One moment that stays with me is when a child was painting her dream as a crocheter, she described her feeling in the painting with her eyes sparking. She said : “I am happy. I am smiling.” That pure joy touched me deeply. It reminded me that while I came to give, I was also receiving something profound — joy, courage and inspiration.

Volunteering is a journey of shared growth. When we create, laugh, and dream together, we inspire each other in ways big and small. Each session with the children is a gentle reminder that small moments — a smile, a kind word, a shared dream — can magnify joy and bring real change to our hearts.

Sin Hui, VIVA Volunteer

Hi! I’m Sin Hui, currently a Year 3 Biomedical Science student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic! I first got to know about VIVA Foundation through my school’s broadcasting channel, where I was introduced to the VIVA St. Jude Forum. I have since volunteered as a Volunteer Coordinator for the Forum and other opportunities, including various Zoom webinars and the Children’s Day–Mid-Autumn Festival event this year.

VIVA Foundation’s mission to raise awareness of paediatric cancer and education about treating childhood cancers deeply resonated with me. I found it extremely meaningful to be part of a cause that helps share knowledge and improve access to cancer treatments, ultimately contributing to better outcomes for children with cancer.

My first volunteering experience was with the VIVA Forum Sponsorship team this year. As it was our first time approaching sponsors and creating the Forum’s sponsorship booklet, my team and I faced quite a few challenges initially. However, with the VIVA team’s constant guidance and encouragement, we learned and grew together through the process. It was a fulfilling experience that strengthened our confidence and teamwork.

Through my volunteer experiences with VIVA Foundation, I’ve developed a strong sense of empathy, teamwork, and purpose. I’ve met many like-minded and kind-hearted individuals — both students and mentors — who’ve inspired me in countless ways. Each volunteer brought their own unique strengths, and together, we formed a warm and supportive community that truly embodies the spirit of giving back.

One of the most rewarding aspects has been the people I’ve met along the way. I’m very grateful to be part of such a joyous and dedicated community. Seeing each event come to life after everyone’s hard work is incredibly heart-warming. And it’s in these moments that I truly appreciate how much collective effort and passion goes into making a difference.

Volunteering with VIVA has been mutually enriching as it creates a space for learning and connection on both sides. As a volunteer, I get to bring joy, support and awareness to the beneficiaries, but I have also gained valuable insights from them, their journeys, empathy and inspiration from their strength and resilience. Each project reminds me how small contributions can lead to a great and meaningful cause.

Battling Childhood Cancer is Tough: Yenyen and Darshan

When Darshan was diagnosed with ALL at the age of three, his life changed completely. It was a tough treatment journey ahead. The family found support with fellow parents of children with cancer, doctors, nurses, and organisations like VIVA to get through.