May 2023 Acknowledging Harold in his presentation by Thomas Chow (classmate in ACS Junior)
Thankful and appreciative to Thomas who acknowledged Harold as his personal motivator in his presentation on osteosarcoma research at a national conference in Adelaide.
5 Dec 20 Dedicating and acknowledging Harold in his medical manuscript by Thomas Chow (classmate in ACS Junior)
I was classmates with Harold in primary school, and we went to the same secondary school together although we were not in the same class by then. My memory of him was someone who was athletic, kind, and fun to be with. I remember going to his house after school to play games or laughing together that he was ‘crying’ after putting eyedrops. I moved to Melbourne in 2014 to pursue further studies, and lost contact with most of my friends in Singapore. I did not know that Harold was ill. At the time, I was incidentally working on research into osteosarcoma – I was writing a review article and it was difficult. I felt like stopping at many points along the way. But when I found out that Harold had moved on in 2018, it struck something within me, and the paper became much more personal. The months in 2020 spent writing the manuscript took on a new meaning. I felt empowered, and encouraged by Harold’s spirit, and eventually published the paper in the field’s biggest journal. I dedicate this paper in memory of Harold and the friendship that we shared, for the encourage and courage that he exhibited in living his life. It continues to inspire me always.
“T.C. would like to dedicate the article to the memory of his friend and classmate Harold Tan, who bravely fought and passed from osteosarcoma in 2018.” (Chow et al., 2020)
References
Chow, T., Wutami, I., Lucarelli, E., Choong, P. F., Duchi, S., & Di Bella, C. (2020). Creating In Vitro Three-Dimensional Tumor Models: A Guide for the Biofabrication of a Primary Osteosarcoma Model. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews.
13 June 20 Sharing of reflection by Alaina Tan, god-sister during her LA class
We thank God for bringing Harold and good memories about him into our lives. As we look back and reflect on his life journey, Harold’s god-sister Alaina has done a good job writing this piece of reflection. We always miss you, Harold.
27 May 19 Fulfilling the last instruction
“Go to London; visit King’s College London on my behalf”. Yes, dear. We have done that. We thanked the KCL Singapore Society Exco members who read your testimony in Salt&Light, contacted us and hosted us for a private tour around the different buildings, classrooms and student lounges at Strand Campus. It is a beautiful campus for learning and studying.
19 Apr 19: Salt&Light Good Friday story of faith, hope, and love by Emilyn Tan, an aunty who loved Harold like her own son
Thankful and grateful to Emilyn for writing this beautiful story and allow Harold’s testimony to be reached out to many. It resulted us received many encouragement and recollection on Harold, and take comfort in the knowledge that his life meant so much to so many. Death cannot silence one’s life if the life was to live for God.
Emilyn’s article can be viewed at: https://saltandlight.sg/faith/till-we-meet-again-harold-boy/
2 -3 Mar 19 Singapore Cancer Society – Talk Med Relay for Life by Shannon Lim
It was an honour to be able to participate in a 100KM challenge in remembrance of my cousin, Harold, someone that I hold high in regard as a role model. Although it was a tough job being a coordinator while running the distance at the same time, it proved to be fulfilling at the end of the race. It was very heartwarming to see so many of Harold’s family, teacher and friends joined us in the overnight race even though they knew that it was going to be tiring. With everyone staying together in the night, it was a reflection of how we all stood by each other as Harold was battling cancer and that he was definitely not alone. Relay For Life 2019 taught me many things, especially the importance of moral support in one’s fight with cancer. The support from friends and family as we cheered each other on throughout the night was crucial, as none of us would be able to fight the night alone. I am grateful to those that joined us on this journey to clocked a distance of 120.4km within 15hrs, and am blessed to be able to dedicate a run in Harold’s name.
Campaign page can be accessed at: https://give.asia/campaign/remembering-harold-with-thankfulness
Sharing by Shannon Lim:
Photos of the event and cards made:
1 Jan to 3 Mar 19 Fundraising Campaign #2 for Children's Cancer Foundation by Shannon Lim
As it was my first time organising a fundraising campaign from scratch, I am thankful for the help given to me from the people around. Although the target amount of $10,000 is a large sum, I was confident of being able to reach this target, as evident from the overwhelming care and concern that was given to Harold and family. It was a challenge to decide on the beneficiary to raise funds for, as I was swarmed with the many organisations that needed help on the give.asia platform. In the end, we decided to raise the funds for the Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF). This was a decision inspired by what Harold had said in his interview with Crutch4Sarcoma. When asked if he ever felt the need to help other patients, he said that he would try to help young children with sarcoma by sharing his story and positivity. This reaffirmed our decision to raise the donations dedicated for the CCF as it would be Harold’s wish to continually help young children in their fight against cancer. Fundraising is one of the biggest charitable acts a person can do, and I am extremely blessed to have this opportunity to give back to the society.
19 Aug 18 Ironman Race in Bintan by Tan Tee Joo
No personal best and the time I wanted but the conditions were pretty horrible. I gave it everything I had, nothing left in the tank. This is for you Harold! We miss you terribly still but we know you’re in a better place … certainly better than Bintan roads for 6 miserable hours.
27 May 19 Fulfilling the last instruction
“Go to London; visit King’s College London on my behalf”. Yes, dear. We have done that. We thanked the KCL Singapore Society Exco members who read your testimony in Salt&Light, contacted us and hosted us for a private tour around the different buildings, classrooms and student lounges at Strand Campus. It is a beautiful campus for learning and studying.
19 Apr 19: Salt&Light Good Friday story of faith, hope, and love by Emilyn Tan, an aunty who loved Harold like her own son
Thankful and grateful to Emilyn for writing this beautiful story and allow Harold’s testimony to be reached out to many. It resulted us received many encouragement and recollection on Harold, and take comfort in the knowledge that his life meant so much to so many. Death cannot silence one’s life if the life was to live for God.
Emilyn’s article can be viewed at: https://saltandlight.sg/faith/till-we-meet-again-harold-boy/
2 -3 Mar 19 Singapore Cancer Society – Talk Med Relay for Life by Shannon Lim
It was an honour to be able to participate in a 100KM challenge in remembrance of my cousin, Harold, someone that I hold high in regard as a role model. Although it was a tough job being a coordinator while running the distance at the same time, it proved to be fulfilling at the end of the race. It was very heartwarming to see so many of Harold’s family, teacher and friends joined us in the overnight race even though they knew that it was going to be tiring. With everyone staying together in the night, it was a reflection of how we all stood by each other as Harold was battling cancer and that he was definitely not alone. Relay For Life 2019 taught me many things, especially the importance of moral support in one’s fight with cancer. The support from friends and family as we cheered each other on throughout the night was crucial, as none of us would be able to fight the night alone. I am grateful to those that joined us on this journey to clocked a distance of 120.4km within 15hrs, and am blessed to be able to dedicate a run in Harold’s name.
Campaign page can be accessed at: https://give.asia/campaign/remembering-harold-with-thankfulness
Sharing by Shannon Lim:
Photos of the event and cards made:
1 Jan to 3 Mar 19 Fundraising Campaign #2 for Children's Cancer Foundation by Shannon Lim
As it was my first time organising a fundraising campaign from scratch, I am thankful for the help given to me from the people around. Although the target amount of $10,000 is a large sum, I was confident of being able to reach this target, as evident from the overwhelming care and concern that was given to Harold and family. It was a challenge to decide on the beneficiary to raise funds for, as I was swarmed with the many organisations that needed help on the give.asia platform. In the end, we decided to raise the funds for the Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF). This was a decision inspired by what Harold had said in his interview with Crutch4Sarcoma. When asked if he ever felt the need to help other patients, he said that he would try to help young children with sarcoma by sharing his story and positivity. This reaffirmed our decision to raise the donations dedicated for the CCF as it would be Harold’s wish to continually help young children in their fight against cancer. Fundraising is one of the biggest charitable acts a person can do, and I am extremely blessed to have this opportunity to give back to the society.
19 Aug 18 Ironman Race in Bintan by Tan Tee Joo
No personal best and the time I wanted but the conditions were pretty horrible. I gave it everything I had, nothing left in the tank. This is for you Harold! We miss you terribly still but we know you’re in a better place … certainly better than Bintan roads for 6 miserable hours.
22 Jul 18 Race Against Cancer - Singapore Cancer Society and Singtel
Harold’s family and friends from ACS (Independent) participated in the Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer. The campaign successfully raised $8,968, the highest amount for the 2018 Charity RACers. Funds raised will go towards SCS ongoing mission of minimising cancer and maximising life, and to continue journeying with cancer patients, caregivers, and beneficiaries, and scale up programmes and services.
Interview by Priscilla Chew, a runner that also participated in the Singtel-SCS Race Against Cancer 2018, can be viewed here: http://www.prischew.com/sports/running/rac-2018-review/
To read about the campaign, click here.
14 Jul 18 Trip to Timor Leste by Harold’s Parents
Fulfilled one of his instruction to us. Go to Timor, thank and send his love to the kids at St Paul Methodist School. So we flew to Timor. An emotional and meaningful 3-days trip from the time we landed at the airport. No better way to remember Harold than to see the place he has stayed, experienced his works, heard about his stories and visited the places he has walked in Timor Leste to commemorate the first month without him….”Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” (John 12:36)
More information on the efforts to build a new methodist school in Dili can be found here.
11 Jul 18 Hike in USA by Richard Chan (ACSI IB 2013)
Richard Chan did a hike from Yosemite to Mount Whitney (4450m, the highest mountain in the contiguous US), about 400km in total, and dedicated this hike to Harold.
