Brain Tumour Society (Singapore) Limited
This has to be the most memorable Founder’s Day! A busload of 37 BTSS friends crossed the causeway to spend a day celebrating life and the establishment of BTSS. Conversations flowed beyond brain tumours and treatments as we embarked on new experiences together in lovely laid-back settings. Indeed, new friendships and happy memories were formed with a renewed determination to stay in touch. We are already looking forward to our 10th BTSS Founder’s Day… How about Desaru next?
BTSS members marked New Year 2023 by coming together and celebrating with gratitude. Wishes were written and put onto wishing stars. Kicking off the party was a welcome speech by President Melissa. Backed by volunteer band from True Way Presbyterian Church, participants sang along to requested songs. Young Evan was such a sport to do his rendition of “Shotgun” for us to which the audience cheered wholeheartedly. Members participated in team games that revolved around the theme “Sparkle and Shine”. They also shared gratitude stories which reminded us to always count every blessing that comes our way. The evening ended when everyone took out their phones and shone their lights and swayed to the music. What a magical moment!
We would like to thank the volunteers who worked hard and energized the crowd with their sporting spirit throughout the evening. And of course, to all participants, this would not be possible without you! Blessed New Year to all!
To view more photos, go to the gallery page Event photos
Christmas came early for 13 of our young beneficiaries on 9th December. Volunteers from Morgan Stanley brought them for a shopping trip at Toys “R” Us. With their hearts contented, everyone adjourned for some afternoon snacks. It was heartwarming to hear peals of laughter as the volunteers bonded with the kids and their caregivers. Thank you Morgan Stanley volunteers for doing this special event for our kids for the fourth year!
10 of our youths had a blast at the sneaker design workshop yesterday! Everyone left with a lovely pair of custom sneakers.
While many were busy shopping on 11.11 singles day, 9 of our teens gathered at Orchard Gateway for an afternoon of fun. Though most were shy (after not meeting for the past 2 years and the fact that there were a few new faces), the informal coffee and snacks session prior to the escape room event allowed them to be more relaxed.
The teens were split into 2 groups for the escape room adventure where they had to escape from their rooms within an hour. Even though it was the first time for everyone, one group managed to make their escape a few minutes before the hour was up. Through the adventure, the teens worked together and showed empathy for one another. Everyone enjoyed themselves and wished for more!
What an excellent activity to start the year end holidays!
An otherwise normal Saturday morning turned out to be a furry one for 40 beneficiaries when they turned up at BTSS first-ever pet therapy session on 1 Oct 2022.
The natural cuteness factor of the dogs elicited the ohhs and ahhs from the participants. While many were contented to just pat the dogs, there were a handful who carried them like babies! There was an origami station where participants folded dog crafts. Everyone waited patiently for their opportunity to take pictures with the adorable dogs at the special photo booth.
It was also a time for our members to rekindle relationships since they haven’t seen each other for close to 3 years. It was heartwarming to see new faces mingling and chatting with the older members.
A shout out to Fabian, the lead volunteer for this event. Special thanks to Crane for letting us use their venue at Robertson Quay. And of course, this would not be possible without the participation from the dog owners and the dogs. Woof! woof!
What better way to start the September school holidays than a magical one? On 3 Sep 2022, volunteers from the Singapore Institute of Technology dazzled our young beneficiaries with a magic show. The highlight of the event was the imparting of “secrets” to the kids so that they can perform the same tricks and awed others. Judging from the smiles from the participants, it was one awesome morning. Many thanks to the volunteers who had been planning for this event since March this year! And we are grateful for venue sponsor Inspire Church for letting us use the space.
This post was originally published on The Straits Times.
SINGAPORE – A charity drive aimed at spreading awareness about brain tumours raised more than $32,000 on Sunday (July 31).
Hosted by the Brain Tumour Society Singapore (BTSS), the event returned after a four-year hiatus and offered patients joyrides in 16 Lamborghini cars.
Held in collaboration with Lamborghini Club Singapore, the Brainy Car Rally was held at Outram Community Hospital.
Besides the round trips between Singapore General Hospital in Outram and HarbourFront in Telok Blangah, the event also featured interactive stations that simulate brain surgery.
At the stations, participants can wear virtual reality goggles to view surgery in 3D and try out tools used in neurosurgery.
They can also “experience” the pre- and post-operation assessments typically done during awake brain surgery.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health Rahayu Mahzam, who attended the event as guest of honour, said brain tumours are not as rare as they are often believed to be.
“In Singapore, brain and central nervous system cancers are the third and sixth most common cancers affecting those below 30 years old for males and females respectively,” she said.
While a diagnosis of brain tumour can be devastating, she added that she is heartened by the community’s support for such patients.
Of the rally held on Sunday to bring the community together, Ms Mahzam said: “It is assuring to know BTSS stands ready to support them at every stage of their journey.”
What better way to start the new year than a refreshing walk in one of the many NParks in Singapore!
4 youth beneficiaries and their families met up in the early morning of 22 January at Upper Thomson Pierce Reservoir for the walk. The walk was organised by our new EXCO member, Peter Koh. Though it was the first time meeting one another, it took no time for them to start chatting up. After walking for 2 hours, the group could not resist heading to Casuarina Restaurant for the mouth-smacking pratas.
We would like to make such walks a regular feature this year for BTSS beneficiaries. If you are keen to join us, please send us an email to [email protected]
On the 18th December 2021, we hosted a Christmas Party for our BTSS Youths! We set them up as each other’s secret Santa for the gift exchange. They were tasked to purchase and deliver the gift in any mode that worked. For most of our youths, this was the first time that they met one another in person.
Through this party, they learned more about one another’s favourite plush toys, pets, music etc. There were also fun games and quizzes! We hope all of them had enjoyed themselves!
Special thanks to our BTSS Youth Team Leads, Ashley and Felicia, for organising this event.
