Cancer – a disease when mentioned, can leave anyone feeling all sorts of fears, concerns and anxieties. Even more so, when the news hits the one you love the most.
And according to the National Registry of Diseases Office, in Singapore, cancer is the leading cause of death in Singapore. While recent trends indicate that mortality rates are on the decline, the occurrence of cancer in our population is rising. However, despite its harrowing nature, for some cases, such tribulations have sparked a story of hope and the desire to pay it forward.
Meet siblings, Jonathan and Jocelyn Carlos. Not too long ago, they were former caregivers to a family member who had beaten cancer and now, they volunteer with the Singapore Cancer Society, where they have found their purpose – showing support to other families who are still in the fight against cancer.
A Cancer Diagnosis That Shocked the Family
Back in July 2014, Jonathan was working in Singapore when he received the news from his sister Jocelyn that their 64-year-old mother Teresita Carlos was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in the Philippines.
The shock hit the family hard as Teresita never smoked or drank, nor had she shown any serious symptoms or indications of cancer.
Upon hearing of the news, Jonathan flew back to the Philippines immediately to regroup with the family and plan on what they needed to do.
While their mother was aware of her cancer diagnosis, the family initially kept the stage of the cancer hidden from her to help lessen her worries.
They also faced an uphill struggle to gather and prepare themselves for what needed to be done. To add on the burden, their biggest challenge was the looming high cost of impending medical treatments.
Mum’s Bravery and Determination Became Their Inspiration
Recalling their first meeting with their mum’s doctors, the whole family cried when the severity of the cancer condition was explained to them. However, Jonathan was struck by how bravely his mother took the news.
She was calm and the first thing she asked the doctor was what needed to be done for her to recover and become well again.
“Despite our family’s financial challenges of having to take loans, or secure resources and support through various means, it was going to be worth it because our mum’s fighting spirit is strong and I knew that we would win the fight,” Jonathan explains.
United, the family’s momentum to help their mum beat cancer increased.
After undergoing 12 sessions of chemotherapy, Teresita underwent her first surgery for the removal of the colon. Soon later, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to the liver and another surgery was required.
Looking back at how everyone was coping, Jonathan says it was their mum who was the strongest and the one who really encouraged everyone to pull through this ordeal.
Flying back home to the Philippines every two weeks, to spend time with his mum and help take care of her, he adds, “I’m proud to be her son because I have a very strong mother.”
Becoming a Relay For Life Volunteer
With Teresita recovering well and towards a cancer-free normality again, a desire grew in Jonathan to give back to the community as a way of paying it forward.
He learnt about Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) and signed up to become a volunteer.
His debut volunteering stint with SCS was at Relay For Life 2018, an annual 15-hour overnight relay that celebrates individuals who have survived cancer, remember loved ones lost, as well as inspire those in the fight against cancer to beat it successfully.
(Credit: SCS/Jonathan Carlos)
Manning a Gardenia booth at the event, Jonathan distributed bread as redemptions to donors who gifted money at the onsite donation box.
Prior to the event, he helped to dispatch food and drinks to the Singapore National Stadium where Relay For Life took place.
Having known a few people lost to cancer, the event’s Remember segment with its luminaria messages of hope and tributes left a powerful impression on him.
Moved by how the cancer community came together for Relay For Life, it inspired him to have his family join him in person at the event the following year.
When Volunteering Becomes a Family Tradition
In 2019, the Carlos family took part in the relay by walking together.
Jocelyn fondly recalls, “We enjoyed it very much and our mum was so happy to be a part of it, especially journeying in solidarity with other cancer survivors.”
It was heartening for the whole family to see how everyone at the event was encouraging each other, from cancer survivors, to patients, caregivers, family members, and well-wishers.
Aside from participating in the event, the family also helped to raise $1,120 in funds for SCS that year.
The family made a vow to return every year for Relay For Life and support the cancer community.
Jonathan explains, “We want to show others that this is the best opportunity to grow stronger, by helping and pulling each other up, especially for the cancer patients.”
While Covid-19 disrupted subsequent Relay for Life events since 2020, this year in 2023, Jonathan and Jocelyn were happy to be part of the event again as volunteers and will continue to do so for future runs.
Feeling blessed that the family survived all the tests and difficulties, they want to inspire other families and individuals affected by cancer with optimism, hope and to never give up.
You can show your support to the cancer community by making a donation to SCS’ Relay For Life. Visit Giving.sg to donate!
If you are interested to volunteer with the Singapore Cancer Society, find out more here.
