SHINE FOR THEM

Like many of us, JIMMIE TAY and KELLY KEAK have witnessed lives consumed by the cancer scourge. And that’s why they have joined hands to plan Singapore CancerSociety’s Charity Gala Dinner to raise funds in a bid to ensure that no one should fight the disease alone. Yanni Tan finds out more.

- Yanni Tan

It is predicted that every one in four people in Singapore could be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. As much as this disease is prevalent, the overall screening uptake rate for Singaporean women for colorectal, breast and cervical cancer is a dismal 30 to 40 per cent, compared to 60 to 70 per cent in other developed countries. As it stands, breast cancer is the most common type among Singaporean women, while colon and rectum cancer tops the list for men.

Fortunately for us, the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) has been dedicated to minimising the impact of cancer and maximising lives through a host of programmes for over 58 years. Jumping aboard the good cause are two friends of Prestige – entrepreneurs Jimmie Tay and Kelly Keak, who stepped up to volunteer as the co-chairmen for this year’s edition of the fundraiser, named Odyssey of Stars.

Both no stranger to philanthropy, they tell us why the cause is important to them, how your generous support would help raise $700,000 out of the annual $20 million the SCS needs to continue its mission, and of course, why you should not miss this worthwhile event.

JIMMIE TAY

Why does the subject of cancer resonate with you?

My mother was diagnosed with colon cancer 35 years ago and it was an emotional rollercoaster for us all. She went in and out of the hospital for chemotherapy over six months, and it worked for a year before her cancer relapsed. After three difficult years, she passed on. It drained my father greatly and took a toll on the rest of the family.