Marking its milestone 10^th anniversary, this year’s PBSTA Day, spearheaded by Mr M Hema Prashaad, aimed to go the extra mile for the attendees. The event created an opportunity for families, patients and caregivers to gather, raise awareness of the many different types of childhood brain and solid tumours, foster a sense of community and have a little fun.

In collaboration with KKH, the National Neuroscience Institute and Porsche Club Singapore, Duke-NUS students had planned the event as a space-themed day, a subject that invoked curiosity and awe, harking to many childhood aspirations. The festivities included a captivating educational programme and a carnival designed to delight and educate.

A convoy of 30 Porsche cars turned fantasy into reality for the 17 children, along with their siblings and caregivers, giving them an exhilarating jaunt around Singapore’s iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.

For the parents and caregivers, Dr Soh Shui Yen, a senior consultant from the KKH Paediatric Brain and Solid Tumour Programme, shared more about the KKH Childhood Cancer Survivorship Programme, which focuses on caring for patients long beyond their initial diagnosis, providing each patient with an individualised survivorship care plan that empowers them with knowledge about their diagnosis and treatment, and addresses the chronic effects of cancer and its treatment as well as with monitoring recommendations to help them lead healthy lives.

The PBSTA Day was not just a celebration, but also provided a welcome opportunity for parents and caregivers to find mutual support and community support.  For these families, knowing they are not alone, and that others share their experiences, can be a reprieve and a relief.