Sarah, a 22-year-old undergraduate in the NUS Biological Science course, has faced life’s challenges with unwavering strength since she was just 18. Her journey is a testament to resilience and determination.
At the tender age of 11, Sarah lost her father to a rare form of blood cancer, multiple myeloma. Tragedy struck again when her mother, Mdm Lee, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer during Sarah’s Secondary 3 year. Despite her brave fight, Mdm Lee passed away when Sarah was in her first year of Polytechnic.
The late Mdm Lee was the sole breadwinner who worked full-time at National University Hospital. Her husband’s death deeply affected both her and Sarah. Overwhelmed by many issues, Sarah dropped out of school. In desperation, Mdm Lee turned to FaithActs for help, hoping to encourage Sarah to return to her studies. With extensive counselling and support from FaithActs, Sarah found the strength to resume her education after a nine-month hiatus.
She completed her ‘O’ levels and progressed to Polytechnic. However, the family faced severe financial strain due to her studies and Mdm Lee’s medical expenses. FaithActs continued to support Sarah, providing essential resources and socio-emotional assistance. Sarah became a regular recipient of FaithActs Bursary and Scholarship. Mdm Lee also received support through our Single-Parent-In-Need (SPIN) fund.
Despite her circumstances, Sarah has been an active participant and dedicated volunteer at FaithActs. Her commitment to giving back to the community is truly inspiring. She has shown a genuine passion for helping others, evident in her numerous volunteer activities at A*STAR and overseas teaching assignments. Sarah’s involvement in various FaithActs programmes has enriched the lives of many and significantly contributed to the community.
In addition to her volunteer work, Sarah has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to her academic studies. Driven by personal experience, she aspires to pursue a career in cancer research. Her motivation and determination to excel in this field is a testament to her strong character and desire to make a meaningful impact in the world. Balancing her academic pursuits with managing her household alone is a remarkable feat.