By Chan Yu Qing

Every donation has a story behind it, and the most meaningful gifts often come from personal experiences. Discover how NHCS staff are transforming their personal experiences into hope for others by giving back to the NHCS Heart To Heart Fund—each inspired by what they have seen and their desire to help patients .

Giving What She Can, When She Can

For Ms Jumenah Binte Bee Bee, Senior Patient Service Associate, her late mother's experience planted a seed of gratitude in her, inspiring her to pay it forward and become a monthly staff donor. 

"My late mum received financial aid that meant everything to our family. I want to make my own small contribution to help those in need." 

Beyond her monthly contribution, she also organised a mini ‘flea market’ selling homemade keropok and household items to colleagues, turning her daily interactions into fundraising opportunities to help patients. Working closely with elderly, sick and vulnerable patients has deepened her compassion and strengthened her commitment to give back. 

Beyond the Operating Theatre

Dr Zhu Ling, Consultant, Cardiothoracic Surgery, believes that true healing is a journey walked together with patients—one that extends beyond medical procedures. 

"As a cardiac surgeon, I am always grateful to help patients through surgery, but I know surgery alone is not enough. I hope to expand my support for patients beyond direct care and inspire them with positive emotional support." 

For Dr Zhu, her support for the 'A Bear for Big Hearts' staff giving campaign meant more than providing financial aid for needy heart patients. During her mission trip to Papua New Guinea, Dr Zhu gifted the NHCS bears she received as tokens of appreciation to nine little patients who underwent successful surgeries at Port Moresby General Hospital. She hoped the bears would provide comfort to the young patients during their recovery, showing how giving can take different meaningful forms beyond monetary contributions. 

From Receiving to Giving

Growing up in a poor family where her parents struggled to feed four children with no financial assistance available, Ms Yvonne Yeo, Assistant Nurse Clinician, Cardiac Clinics, learned early what hardship meant. 

"I started working at a young age to help support my family, so I understand what patients go through when they can't afford medical care. My monthly donations are my way of helping to ease their burden." 

With over two decades in nursing, Yvonne has witnessed firsthand how every bit of help can make a meaningful difference in a patient's journey to recovery. Her monthly donations represent more than financial support—they embody the Chinese saying "施比受更有福" (It is more blessed to give than to receive), turning her own childhood struggles into a source of strength that now helps others heal. 

Sharing Expertise for a Greater Cause

Dr Fam Jiang Ming, Senior Consultant, Cardiology, regularly receives invitations by companies to share his expertise at healthcare events and educational talks. By channelling his honorarium to the NHCS Heart To Heart Fund, he transforms his knowledge into hope—turning each speaking engagement into an opportunity to directly impact patient care and advance life-saving research. 

"I’m motivated by a desire to contribute to causes that align with my values, support patient care and research, as well as make a positive impact within our organisation and beyond. It’s a way for me to give back and help create meaningful change."

For Dr Fam, this isn't just giving back; it is extending his healing mission beyond the clinic walls to reach those who need it most. 

Inspired by Those She Serves

Ms Georgina Dawn Menon, Senior Therapy Support Associate, Cardiac Physiotherapy Services, has noticed a concerning pattern in her daily work with cardiac patients.

"I have witnessed more young people with their whole lives ahead of them suffering from heart conditions. They shouldn't have to worry about affording treatment on top of everything else they are facing." 

Being in a privileged position to help others, Georgina became a monthly staff donor to address what she saw as an unfair burden for needy heart patients. She hoped her contributions would allow the patients to focus on what truly matters: their recovery. 

Advancing Tomorrow’s Care

Ms Kiran Kaur, Senior Assistant Manager (CVS.AI), National Heart Research Institute Singapore (NHRIS), is part of a team that drives clinically relevant research in cardiac imaging and artificial intelligence to predict and treat cardiovascular disease. As a strong advocate of research, she firmly believes that continuous research has the power to transform lives.

“Each contribution I make is an act of faith in the future of cardiac care, driving innovations that may one day change how we heal the heart."

For Kiran, becoming a monthly donor is her way of supporting the bigger picture—helping to advance research and develop technologies that could revolutionise cardiovascular medicine and potentially save lives from heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

Making A Collective Impact

From monthly pledges to personal fundraising campaigns, these NHCS staff show us that meaningful giving takes many forms. Each found their own way to support the causes that resonated most deeply with them. What matters isn’t how much you give, but giving consistently from the heart. When we come together with a shared purpose, even small contributions can create meaningful change where it matters most.

‘Jump In’ and Make a Difference

You too can be a part of this giving culture. With a donation of SGD20 and above to the NHCS Heart To Heart Fund, you will be able to provide financial aid to our needy heart patients and defray their medical fees or living expenses. Eligible donations will be entitled to 250% tax deduction. 

As a token of appreciation, you will receive a cordless jump rope (while stocks last)! 

To make a donation, visit https://for.sg/jfh25.

If you have an idea for fundraising, speak to us today at development@nhcs.com.sg!