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How one couple turned a cancer recovery journey into a movement of support for others.

What happens when your loved one was diagnosed with cancer not once, but twice?

For Crystal, the heart wrenching journey of supporting her then-fiancé, Julian, through cancer, led her and three friends, Carol, Marine and Reiko, to galvanise their community for a greater good—to raise funds for cancer patients facing similar battles. Julian was diagnosed with testicular seminoma in 2022 and again in 2023.

The experience led Crystal to reflect, “We were fortunate to have the resources, family support, and flexibility to ensure Julian had the best care. I could work from home and still draw a salary while caring for him. But not everyone has that privilege. I feel strongly the need to help those who are less fortunate in some way.”

The empathy sparked an idea, which eventually became “Padel for Cancer”, a community driven initiative which raised funds for Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) through a friendly padelweekend tournament.

Hosted by main event sponsor Asia Padel in collaboration with venue sponsor The Padel Co., the inaugural event was held in November 2024 to overwhelming response. Encouraged by the success, a second edition followed in May 2025, with 36 teams competing.

MOBILISING THE PADEL COMMUNITY FOR A GREATER CAUSE

The couple had discovered padel in 2023, after Julian’s recovery from the first diagnosis. What started as a casual sport became an outlet for healing.

“After Julian was done with treatment, he was feeling low. The hair loss, the isolation—it really took a toll,” Crystal shared. “Padel helped him regain his confidence and reintegrate into society. We built a community of friends at a very vulnerable time.”

Having the padel community rally around them made Crystal appreciate the support they had received even more. “I started asking, could we get our friends to do more for charity?” Crystal shared.

The first Padel for Cancer was thus born. Held in November 2024, it was a leap of faith. “We had no idea how fundraising would go, and we had to rely on the kindness of others,” she said. “And I kept wondering, would we raise enough funds to actually make an impact?”

Behind the scenes, the community sprang into action, donating prizes and sponsoring equipment. Volunteers stepped up as event runners. “It was amazing to see people offer their time, their networks, their energy. We also got to know the people behind the padel community—the great companies they run, the values they share,” Crystal shared.

Crystal’s faith in her newfound tribe was validated. In 2024, the event raised some $51,000. This time round, they raised a whopping $48,000. The results reflected not just generosity, but the strength of a community united in purpose — participants, volunteers, and supporters came together, giving their time and rallying through give.sg to raise funds and hope for individuals and families affected by cancer.

HONOURING THE STRENGTH AND LOVE THAT CARRY US THROUGH CANCER

“Cancer is one of those things you never thought would happen to you,” Crystal confided. “The first diagnosis was a shock, and the second knocked the wind out of us. Then my brother reminded me, ‘There’s no time to be sad. Be action-focused. Organise Julian’s care and support him.’”

Throughout the treatment and recovery journey both times, family flew in and friends showed up. “We learnt to accept every piece of help, such as having loved ones cook meals for us,” Crystal said.

The couple also began creating short videos to share their ups and downs for the day. These videos not only helped them update their community, but also process the emotional rollercoaster. “We recorded everything,” Crystal remembered. “The tough days, the better days. It helped us feel connected and reminded us we were not alone.”

Those videos now serve as time capsules of strength. “Sometimes we watch them and think—wow, we got through that,” Crystal said. “Despite the chaos, there were so many wonderful people helping us along the way. The nurses were incredible. It made the journey bearable.”

Fundraising for fellow cancer patients was thus a way of honouring the strength of cancer patients and their loved ones. The funds would help SCS support patients and their families, especially those of low-income backgrounds.

Beyond the donations, the event shone for its camaraderie, joy, and hope. “It wasn’t just about playing padel,” Crystal said. “The event shows that kindness can be contagious and that we can all make a real difference in the lives of others.”