Min Yi’s Story
A Star PALS patient
Min Yi was a straight A’s student at Anderson Junior College who loved the outdoors when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Because of the position of the tumour, the doctors were unable to operate to remove it. In spite of radiation and chemotherapy, in less than two years, Min Yi was unable to move, talk or eat on her own.
When Min Yi’s oncologist introduced her parents, William Loh and Irene Ong, to Dr Chong Poh Heng, programme director of HCA’s Star PALS, they resisted it fiercely.
However, after meeting Dr Chong and palliative care nurse Lily Li a few times, the Loh’s understood how Star PALS could indeed help their daughter be more comfortable, and provide the medical and emotional support they needed as a family.
“They were available 24 hours a day, and whenever I panicked, I could call to ask for advice for any little thing, like why she was not drinking or eating properly – we could get advice and reassurance.”
Star PALS also brought in a physiotherapist and social worker. In addition to working with Min Yi, the physiotherapist provided invaluable support to Irene, showing her how to move Min Yi in the correct manner, making it easier and more comfortable for both of them.
Every two weeks, the whole family had music therapy sessions, including Min Yi’s brother Wei Jit and sister Jin Yi. This became a favourite of the whole family as Min Yi responded to music therapy like she did to nothing else. Irene recalled, “Nothing could make Min Yi move her right arm. But she would use it to bang the drum.”
“It was a real stress reliever, and bonded us even more strongly as a family. The music therapy was one of the most wonderful times we spent with Min Yi, and we have beautiful memories.”
Dr Chong, always looking ahead to what would happen next in Min Yi’s illness, helped them prepare for the end. He encouraged them to celebrate Min Yi’s 19th birthday early,
which they were very glad they did.
When Min Yi passed away two days later, on 2 June, Dr Chong and his team were there with the family to give comfort and support. “We really benefited from the journey. We are just so grateful for the services, and I want to let people know that there is a lot of help available out there,” said William.
