IPCA 2024 - Allan Wong

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Before my husband, Allan, fell ill, we would wake up at 6.30am every weekday morning and head to our Residents' Centre (RC). At the RC, we would prepare coffee for the residents to grab and go as they pass the RC on their way to work. This was a 'kopi' project that I helmed as part of the community activities at the RC, and one of my favourite memories with Allan.

In 2017, Allan was diagnosed with stage four appendix cancer after a seemingly routine surgery of removing his appendix. Needless to say, we were both shocked and extremely lost at the turn of events as he had always kept an active lifestyle and exercised every morning. Allan endured a month of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, followed by a successful surgery to remove the cancerous cells. The doctor advised another round of chemotherapy as a preventive measure. However, Allan, exhausted from the side effects of his previous treatments, chose not to proceed with the doctor's recommendation.

We continued with our daily lives until the cancer relapsed a year later. Despite his illness,  Allan remained cheerful and thoughtful. He continued to help me with my RC duties and even set up a BINGO corner for elderly residents to join him for a game. The RC was always lively with him around. 

As Allan's condition deteriorated, he started attending HCA Oasis Day Hospice@Outram. Even though he was a patient, he took the initiative to befriend new patients at the day care. In typical Allan fashion, he would invite them to play a game together and introduce them to other patients and staff so that they would feel welcome.

We were married for 48 years, yet it was in his last years that I got a glimpse of the true depth of his inner strength. Underneath Allan's selfless acts of service and care was a man who chose to take his mind away from his physical pain by helping others instead. It was clear that the pain was unbearable at times, yet he never complained nor wallowed in despair.

The cancer progressed and Allan was admitted into Outram Community Hospital (OCH) in February 2023. His physical condition did not stop him from encouraging newcomers and motivating other palliative patients to participate in activities at the day hospice during their recreational time. He was still the life of the room – always the first to respond during group time, initiating games and making others feel welcome.

Cancer robbed Allan of his physical strength, but it did not rob him of his joy. He exuded such inexplicable peace even though he was aware that his time was drawing near. He made his last plans, perhaps to alleviate any burden for me, and said his goodbyes to our close relatives and friends before passing on peacefully. Allan only had one request – to spend time at home before he passed away. Although he was home for just an afternoon, I found solace in knowing that we honoured his last wish and brought him comfort and joy in his last moments.

(Recounted by Margaret Chew, wife of the late Allan Wong)


"Allan did not allow his condition to affect his role as a buddy to other patients. He remained polite and thoughtful to the staff, his family and friends. We are truly inspired by his resilience and love for others."

Sandy Koh
Principal Medical Social Worker
Outram Community Hospital