25 Years of Impacting Lives

Palliative Care Has Made A Difference

​
Thank you for publishing the research findings on SMU study which has shown that Singaporeans are more comfortable discussing end-of-life matters. It was a meaningful yet relatable research article for me because my two beloved grandmas went home to be with the Lord in January and July this year. My paternal grandma had received palliative care but my maternal grandma did not.

I would say that the palliative care team was our greatest support. While doctors brought us negative news, we sought comfort in the palliative care doctors because in just a short period of time, they could integrate into our family and helped us to come together as one. The way they talked to the patient, conversations they created with the unconscious were so assuring, allowing us to trust them, and to know that under their care, our beloved grandmother had lived with as little pain as possible. I wished my maternal grandma and family members had experienced the same care and support as well.

Motivation for My Song, “Journey”​

​
I got to know about the Singapore Hospice Council (SHC) through a songwriting competition, “Voices of My Heart”, jointly organised by SHC and Lianhe Zaobao (LHZB).

After the competition, I became interested in the activities and programs of SHC and came to know about the “Lend Your Voice to Palliative Care” campaign. Understanding that SHC is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year and considering that I am a singer-songwriter, I felt that I could do my part and lend my voice by volunteering to write a song for SHC’s 25th anniversary.

(Ms Tan Yu Qing was a 3rd prize winner of SHC-LHZB inaugural songwriting competition held at the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day event in October 2019.)