Even in the face of end-stage colon cancer, the late Mr Lee Kar Lock never let go of his first love — music. A community performer with over 30,000 followers across TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, the 65-year-old continued to sing for his online audience from his hospital bed. “When I sing, people are happy, and when they are happy, I am happy too,” he often said.
A former restaurant manager and long-time volunteer at SLH and other nursing homes, Mr Lee believed in the power of music to connect hearts and lift spirits. His final journey at SLH was marked not only by compassionate care, but also by moments of celebration that reflected the life he had lived.
Recognising that music was central to his identity, SLH’s palliative care team helped him reconnect with this passion.
“Through music, music therapy enables patients to be reconnected with musical memories and their core identities,” shared Senior Music Therapist Camellia Soon.
In one moving session, the music therapy team accompanied him to sing at the hospital entrance and nearby community areas — familiar spaces where seniors cheered him on, just like in his community shows. Later, with the palliative care team, Mr Lee staged a performance in the ward, donning his glittery blue jacket while staff wore his other stage outfits. Surrounded by patients, caregivers, his sisters and 94-year-old mother, the hall was filled with clapping, singing, and precious memories now treasured by his family.
For staff, it was a powerful reminder of the importance of seeing each patient beyond illness.
“It was a meaningful time of togetherness in music and a visual celebration of his life as a community performer,” Camellia reflected.
Mr Lee’s story reminds us that palliative care is not only about easing pain, but also about honouring joy, dignity, and the passions that give life meaning. His song lives on, echoing the healing power of music and compassionate care.
