Jane Tan wears many hats — SingHealth staff, devoted mother, cancer warrior, and now a volunteer who gives back with her hands and heart. After her own cancer journey, Jane found healing not just in treatment, but in connection. Using simple crafts as a bridge, she reaches out to patients undergoing chemotherapy, offering not only handmade gifts but also companionship, encouragement, and the quiet assurance that no one walks alone.
In this conversation, Jane shares how her experiences of illness, resilience, and recovery shaped her decision to volunteer; how crafting became her tool for breaking the silence of chemo wards; and the stories that continue to inspire her to keep going.
Can you share the moment that first sparked this project?
I received alot of support from friends, family, the community (KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), Kampong Kapor Family service centre, etc) during and after my cancer journey. I told myself that when I am well and stronger, I hope to give back in my small way to those who have supported me.
What moved you to start using crafts as an icebreaker for chemo patients?
I was very lost during my cancer journey - didn't know what to do, didn't know who to look for after my diagnosis.
I wondered to myself how nice it would be if someone could hold my hand to show me the way, to show me the ropes, and the short cuts I should take when my body was so weak and weary.
I was looking at Facebook one day and found the course that did: SGUnited Health and Social Care Coordinator Course. It was a joint programe by Ngee Ann Polytechnic and SingHealth (Sengkang Community Hospital). . I signed up for the 2nd intake of the 6 months course during post covid.
This course covered different modules which included: Social determinants of Health and Social Prescribing. Developing and implementing Effective Programmes (For Elderly), Group Dynamics and Facilitation Skills and also Attachment / Practicum.
To cut the long story short, I am happy to have found this course as it teaches how Social Prescribing could link up help for the patient and the community. This was what I had been looking for. I had needed it but could not find it.
There was a section in the course where we practice interviewing technique to reach out to patients (like a chit chat and befriender). I now combine it with my crafts when I speak to the patients. I have seen many of my friends and family's happy faces when they received the craft items.
I use my crafts as an icebreaker, befriending the cancer patients if they are not open about sharing and we just focus on the crafts. At the end of the session, they get to bring the craft home and a gentle reminder that someone cares and that they are not alone...
What did the first one look like—and who did you give it to?
It was a day before my birthday that I went for my very first volunteer session.
I spoke to a young lady 21 years old and she sharde her cancer journey with me. She has a twin and she made a pen for her too.
What’s the process like for you when you volunteer and craft? Is it meditative, therapeutic?
It felt therapeutic for me so I started this to share with everyone else, hoping that they will also feel the same too.
Have you met or heard from any of the recipients?
Yes, I have met a few during my repeated visits to the chemo ward. They appreciated and felt very encouraged that I have returned to walk along with them. Some asked me how to volunteer too. Most will feel shy to do more crafts. Often, they only want to make the crafts for their family and friends, but nothing for themselves. I assure them that it is okay to do more and many ended up making one for themselves as well. (I am self funded, hence most do not want to do more crafts. However, some of my friends do chip in a little to fund me for this project)
Is there a story that really stayed with you?
Yes. A doctor from KKH.
She came for her chemo and we spoke for while crafting. She shared that she didn't expect her to get cancer when she is a doctor, caring for patient and her two children are still very young. We resonated over our children and understood that as mothers, we still have to stay strong for them.
Have you learned anything about illness, resilience, or humanity from this journey?
Yes. Cancer can happen to anyone, but I didn't think I would be part of the statistics. It didn't feel real when the doctor announced the verdict. It felt like a death sentence on top of my other life struggles.
I was confused for a long time, in denial thinking “why me constantly, I have no one else except myself.” I am an only child, my aged mum is unwell and she also needs to care for her sick boyfriend. It was a very difficult period. I shut out everyone else till I spoke to my medical social worker during a regular medifund review. Using a simple question: who is the anchor of your life? She pulled all my scattered confusions, denial and questions from all over the sea to make me a determined mum to stay alive to fight for my children (My son and daughter were only 13 and 5 then).
Everything else doesn't really matter after you've been through so much suffering. Not material needs, not expensive holidays, not luxury meals...they seem meaningless if we are no longer breathing..
And what keeps you going?
A tiny voice in me to keep sharing the hope. To not give up even though it seems impossible. We are more than our illness or disease andI hope to do more within my ability and lifetime before I hit the bucket.
How can people support patients undergoing chemotherapy, cancer treatment?
Be open, be kind. Even when you cannot find the right words, be there for us.
It could be a grocery delivery. A warm hug, a kind smile.
If you would like to find out more or volunteer at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, please click this link!