Both of Jarelyn Tan’s parents had cancer. Her mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2011 and passed away in 2013. After a few weeks of her mother passing on, her family found out that her father had been diagnosed with neck and nose cancer.
The news affected both her and her brother tremendously. They were emotionally down and were not able to concentrate on their studies. She gave up on her education and started failing her exams. A social worker in Singapore General Hospital referred her to Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) for the SCS Help the Children and Youth Programme.
“I initially gave up on my education after my mother passed away. My family and I are thankful for SCS that lent us a helping hand and provided tuition for my brother and myself. The tutors they provided were really kind and patient. I am really thankful for and all the tutors who had given me motivations and pushed me to do well academically,” expressed the 17-year-old student.
SCS have been providing her and her brother tuition from 2013. Her family also joins other recreational activities organised by SCS for beneficiaries and their families. The activities are organised to create stronger bonds between children and their parents despite the impact of cancer in their lives.
Jarelyn is also an active member is the SCS Youth Club. She said, “Every month SCS Youth Club would organise events for us to attend. There, I can meet new people. Although we are all from different backgrounds, we are still able to share our experience and emotions because of the common issue we are going through.”
The most memorable experience for Jarelyn as a SCS Youth Club Member was when she went to the Universal Studio Singapore at Sentosa. She recounted that they all had so much fun just being together.
Jarelyn feels most appreciative that she was able to gain her confidence through this initiative. She also revealed the she met her close friends, Phyllis Wang and Nicklaus Wang in the SCS Youth Club as well.
She concluded with a message to other Youths who have a similar situation to her. She said, “Please know you are not alone. Try to be strong and believe in yourself.”