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For Choon Mei, surviving cancer was only the beginning of a renewed life filled with giving and grace.

When a fellow survivor once confided suicidal thoughts,Choon Mei listened to her, empathised, and offered hope. “I helped her see that there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she recalls.

It was her very first befriender assignment and a moment that helped affirm the path she had chosen. Having faced two cancer diagnoses herself, Choon Mei knew she wanted to give back. Today, she volunteers with a range of cancer support causes, finding strength and meaning in helping others navigate their own journeys.

CHOOSING TO KEEP GOING

Choon Mei’s journey into volunteering with cancer support organisations started with her own cancer journey. When she went for a routine health screening in 2016, she did not expect her life to change overnight. In her late 30s, she was still below the recommended age for mammograms. But an ultrasound screening picked up something unusual. Further tests confirmed it. She had breast cancer.

“Even though it was Stage 0, I was shocked,” she recalled. If that first diagnosis was a shock, the second one a year later was devastating. In 2017, cancer was found on the other side. “I broke down,” she admitted. “It was very daunting to receive a second diagnosis. Everyone was shocked at my response, even my medical team.”

Still, she knew she had to press on.

Rather than retreat from work and daily life, Choon Mei decided to continue working through her treatment. “I thought, if I can focus on positive things, I can carry on,” she said. With the support of her company, she chose her radiotherapy sessions carefully, scheduling them at the end of the day so she could put in more hours before heading to the hospital.

The experience also planted a seed. When the rounds of treatment ended, she realised she wanted to channel her energy into something larger than herself.

FROM SPORTS VOLUNTEERING TOCANCER SUPPORT

A former Aikido instructor, Choon Mei had always been active in volunteering, particularly in sports. She was used to giving back through coaching and community activities and volunteered at large-scale events such as the Southeast Asian Games and ASEAN Para Games in 2015.

“After my own journey, I realised I could still connect with my close ones, but the connection with other survivors is different,” she explained. “They truly understand the cancer journey, and when we share, there’s a deep sense of comfort and strength.”

Unsure where to start her volunteering journey, Choon Mei recalled, “I wrote in to different cancer support groups to find out how I could contribute!” That was how she became part of the pioneer batch of volunteers with CanHOPE and became involved with causes through Breast Cancer Foundation, Singapore Cancer Society, Children’s Cancer Foundation, and National Cancer Centre Singapore.

“There is a deep sense of satisfaction when I can connect and help others. I feel very blessed,” she shared. “Once, after a support group, one of the survivors I supported came up and thanked me. That to me is very meaningful.”

FINDING HEALING IN MUSIC

On every first Saturday of the month, Choon Mei co-leads the ukelele interest group for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. She also dedicates a few hours on alternate Saturdays to guide the group through extra practice sessions. “Learning to play the piano had always been on my bucket list. As a newcomer to music, I decided to start with the ukulele during my recovery journey, since that is one of the easiest instruments to pick up!” She explained.

Through the group, she not only learned to make music but also found a space for joy, expression, and camaraderie. Today, she even performs at cancer-related events with fellow survivors.

GIVING BACK, GAINING STRENGTH

Choon Mei now actively volunteers with various cancer support causes, including CanHOPE Support Programmes. She befriends cancer patients, facilitates support groups, and works alongside counsellors to provide emotional support.

Her approach is simple but intentional: have a passion, make time, and manage it well. She balances work, family, and volunteering by prioritising what matters most. “During every volunteering session, I feel refreshed,” she said. “Sometimes I learn something new. Sometimes I feel inspired by the stories of others.”

For her, the act of giving back is as restorative as it is generous. Seeing the courage and resilience of others strengthens her own resolve. “Celebrate life. Live life more simply,” she said.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

Cancer has given Choon Mei not only scars but also clarity. She no longer sweats the small stuff. Her motto now is simple: Breathe, Embrace, Laugh.

She explains: “Breathe—because you need to pause and centre yourself. Embrace—because you have to accept what life brings. Laugh—because joy makes the journey lighter.”

Eight years after her first diagnosis, Choon Mei is not defined by cancer but by the life she has chosen to build beyond it: one of connection, music, and service. She stands as a reminder that while cancer may change the path, it doesn’t erase the possibility of hope, growth, and joy.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. “And sometimes, we can be that light for someone else.”

After my own journey, I realised I could still connect with my close ones, but the connection with other survivors is different... They truly understand the cancer journey, and when we share, there’s a deep sense of comfort and strength.”
Choon Mei