November 16, 2012

• A Weekend to Stomp Out Cancer

  This coming Saturday & Sunday is gonna be a very exciting time, where we all can play a part in spreading cancer awareness and raising research funds for the National Cancer Center, while having some ballin’ good fun!

  This is pretty serious actually. Everyone seems to know someone who was lost to cancer. Each year, more than 10,000 people in Singapore are diagnosed with the disease. The total figure snowballs, so think about how many tens or hundred thousands of people are living and suffering at this very moment. And imagine how many more around the world. 

  First & foremost, let me say that I believe (and witnessed) in the complete healing of cancer by the miraculous grace of Christ Jesus (those are amazing testimonies for another time!) Nonetheless, I know many of us hope to see a cure to be found soon.

  Without hope, for a quest, a love, a future – existence becomes meaningless. But while there is life, there is always hope. And we should never give up on this precious gift of life!

  Run For Hope 2012 is an annual charity event organised by Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Regent Singapore and the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) to raise much-needed funds for cancer research.

  

   www.runforhopesingapore.org

  10,000 people have signed up to participate in this charity 3.5km or 10km run along the Marina Bay / Kallang River!

  Except for the occasional jogs (usually after a bout of pigging out and the horror that comes with thinking that my arms are getting a bit jiggly), I’m not really an avid runner.

  BUT,

  I was more than happy to lend my voice to a special charity recording in support of Run For Hope and the NCC Research Fund.

  Lean On You (The Race) is a catchy, uplifting song that grows on you the more you listen to it. 40 of us in total sang for this!  

   

  The few hours I spent in the studio, was straight out of a new Singapore Idol episode. With that much raw talent packed into the small place, I swear the room was about to spontaneously combust. Majority of the singers were experienced professionals, while in comparison to their soaring 10-octave vocals, I think I was more like a professional croaking toad. 

  
  “Where’s the analog? No analog? But we need analog, like in KTV! How to sing now? Dammit. “

  

  
  A super cool surprise to meet one of my favorite local singer-songwriters – Shimona Kee!
  I was so honored to sing alongside this talented woman!

  
  Her uncle is a friend of my parents and passed them her CD. That’s how I discovered this gem of a jazzy, accoustic album, which I love making my perfect morning soundtrack. 

  It made my day when Shimona, knowing I was a tad anxious about my delivery, told me encouragingly, “You’re actually not bad and you have a sweet singing voice, you just need some vocal training!” Maybe I’ll sign up with her when I have the time one day

      The happy batch I was grouped in. Met many cool people, cute kids and old acquaintances. 

  The other half of the 40? I only saw in the video

  The people behind Lean on You have shown great earnestness and a sense of dedicated purpose to the cancer cause, especially actor Jerry Hoh (in front wearing glases), my friend who spearheaded this project. 

  I, we all, sang our hearts out. Touched a little, no? ^.^

  We hope the song will remind you that you can help make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, and those who might fall victim in the future. 

  Registration for Run For Hope has closed, but you can show your support for the families and runners by making a donation!

  Show a little love here

  This Saturday, head over to the SMU Green in town for In Her Shoes, another charity event in conjunction with the NCCS. Lots of activities, performances & games await!

  

   

  The story behind In Her Shoes is particularly moving. It was started by Simon Wong, who lost his wife Peikie to the disease several years ago. 

  I was originally roped in to help make an appearance at the event as well, but at that time I had plans to be overseas unfortunately.

  With so much heart and passionate effort by everyone organizing and contributing to this cause, it’s worth it to do your bit!

  God bless and happy weekend.

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  • 10:59 am
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