In June 2024, Vanessa and Charissa’s father, Mr Ng Cheng Wan, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer at the age of 58. His diagnosis came as a shock to the family, especially given his active and health-conscious lifestyle. A retiree who enjoyed badminton, running, and spending time with his grandchildren, Mr Ng had always been focused on healthy living — even experimenting with superfoods like kale to improve his diet.

The news was devastating for the family, who struggled to accept that such a diagnosis could happen to someone like him. It marked the beginning of a deeply emotional and challenging period in their lives.

Vanessa and her father enjoyed hiking together

The Uphill Climb of Caregiving

Vanessa, 32, a counsellor, and Charissa, 31, a former social worker turned stay-at-home mother of two young children, took on different roles during their father’s care journey. Vanessa and their mother became the primary caregivers, while Charissa, juggling young children at home, supported as much as she could.

Vanessa shared how emotionally taxing it was to balance caregiving with work:

“It was hard to focus on work knowing that my dad was having a race against time. Every day I felt guilty for being at work, despite having already abandoned my social life. I knew this was a decision I would not regret — and never did.”

Charissa, who had left her job to care for her children, also struggled with guilt, especially knowing how much her father had helped in looking after them.

The Ng family loved to travel

What weighed most heavily on both sisters was the helplessness they felt — doing everything they could, while knowing that time was against them.

SCS Was a Safe Space

After the diagnosis, the family joined the Singapore Cancer Society’s Pancreatic Support Group under Dr Mack. They attended one group activity — dish gardening — which brought comfort and connection to their father, who found solace in hearing others’ stories.

Though their involvement with the group was brief, it provided emotional support and a safe space to process their grief.

Becoming Advocates for Awareness

Vanessa, Charissa, and their father

Since their father’s passing, Vanessa has become passionate about raising awareness of pancreatic cancer and the emotional toll of caregiving. She has shared their journey openly on social media, helping others feel less alone in their own experiences.

“Friends came forward to express words of comfort and told me my story helped them to be mentally prepared as well.”

She hopes that their story will highlight the importance of family support and early attention to health.

For the two sisters, their father’s parting words remain a guiding light:

“Live the world without regret, and enjoy your present.”