Dragon Boat Rally raises over S$74,000 to boost surgical care

On Saturday, 1 June 2024, over 100 healthcare professionals and cancer survivors participated in a charity Dragon Boat Rally at PAssion Wave @ Jurong Lake Gardens, to raise funds to boost surgical patient care and experience. Over S$74,000 was raised and will be put towards programmes that provide specialised training for healthcare professionals aimed at improving the overall well-being of cancer patients during and after surgery.

Held in conjunction with the 5th anniversary of Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and National Cancer Centre Singapore’s (NCCS) Division of Surgery & Surgical Oncology (DSSO), as well as NCCS’ 25th anniversary, the rally saw 10 teams from NCCS, SGH, Singapore Cancer Society (SCS), Paddlers in Pink, and various cancer support groups competing against one another. 

Teams raced in two main categories, 100 metres and 200 metres. The contest was exhilarating, with teams giving their all as they paddled in sync to rhythmic drumbeats. In the 100-metre race, Team Prostate clinched first place, followed closely by Team Head and Neck and Team Breast 1. The 200-metre race proved to be even more challenging, with Team Singapore Cancer Society 1 emerging victorious and Team Paddlers in Pink 2 and Teams NCCS securing second and third places, respectively. The excitement from the spectators was infectious and camaraderie among the participants made it an unforgettable event!

Event organisers Clinical Associate Professor Claramae Chia, Head of the Department of Sarcoma, Peritoneal and Rare Tumours (SPRinT), SGH and NCCS, and Clinical Associate Professor Toh Song Tar, Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, SGH and NCCS, shared, “Raising funds through a dragon boat rally is meaningful as both dragon boating and the care of a cancer patient requires strong teamwork and a diversity of strength, where close collaboration and contributions from every team member is vital. These qualities are critical for us to provide the best possible care as we support patients in their journey to recovery. It was wonderful to see everyone at the Rally in a strong show of support for those affected by cancer.”