Dressed in a floral blouse and sparkling tiara, Mdm Ng Kanai was all smiles for the camera.
Eyeshadow shimmered on her eyelids, while her cheeks were lightly dusted with blush. Around her, family members and staff gathered, sharing smiles as they prepared for the photoshoot.
Though speaking has become difficult for the 87-year-old, there was no mistaking the joy on her face.
For one afternoon, the ward felt a little different. There was plenty of laughter as patients and their loved ones came together to dress up, pose for photographs, and capture moments they could keep.
The makeover and photoshoot was organised by St Luke’s Hospital (SLH) for patients receiving palliative care.
Supported by volunteers, seven patients dressed in their favourite outfits, had their hair and makeup done, and posed for photographs with their loved ones. Staff also prepared props and backdrops, adding a lively touch to the occasion.
“We believe every patient has a unique beauty and life story. This makeover celebrates who they are and creates precious memories with their loved ones,” shared Programme Coordinator Sharon Kwek.
Mdm Ng was one of the patients Sharon encouraged to take part in the initiative.
For much of her life, Mdm Ng was the one caring for others. A homemaker, she raised five children with her husband. When they grew older, she took on part-time cleaning work to keep herself occupied.
Now, her family is the one surrounding her with care.
Her husband is often by her side, while her children take turns visiting to make sure there is usually someone with her. Together with the family’s helper, they keep her company at her bedside, helping with her meals and simply spending time with her.
A Journey of Care and Support
Mdm Ng is no stranger to SLH. About 10 years ago, she stayed at the hospital for rehabilitation after a spine surgery. However, she returned in June 2026 under very different circumstances.
After experiencing blood in her vomit and stools, doctors at an acute hospital found a mass in her stomach that was suspected to be cancerous. Given her age and wishes, Mdm Ng and her family decided not to pursue further invasive investigations.
Their priority was her comfort.
At SLH, the multidisciplinary palliative care team focuses on managing her symptoms and easing discomfort. With medication and a liquid diet, her condition has become more stable.
There are good days and difficult ones. At times, she struggles to keep her feeds down. The team monitors her closely and adjusts care according to her needs. But caring for Mdm Ng also means looking beyond her physical symptoms.
As the team got to know her and her family, they learnt what brought her comfort, what made her smile, and what mattered to those closest to her.
Sometimes, connection came in simple ways. Sharon joked that she had even picked up a few Teochew phrases while communicating with Mdm Ng and her family.
“The staff not only provide very good care, but are always cheerful as well,” said Mdm Ng’s daughter, Ann.
Ann noticed how much her mother enjoyed the various programmes and activities that complemented her care, including weekly patient devotions, music therapy, animal-assisted activity (AAA) sessions and Namaste Care.
Namaste Care uses multisensory approaches such as gentle touch and massage to create a calming and comforting experience. During the sessions, Ann would often see a smile appear on her mother’s face.
The AAA sessions were another favourite, offering patients companionship and joy as they engage with volunteers’ dogs. Mdm Ng would happily reach out to hug them. Her husband, who was not initially fond of dogs, gradually began enjoying the sessions too.
“My mum, and the other patients here, genuinely have a good time,” Ann shared.
Cherished in Every Frame
Through legacy projects such as the makeover and photoshoot, patients and their families are given the chance to create meaningful and lasting memories.
As the couple posed together for their portraits, their affection was easy to see — in their smiles, familiar glances, and the quiet ease of simply being together. Around them were their children and the staff who had come to know the family during Mdm Ng’s stay.
For a moment, illness faded into the background. What remained in focus was Mdm Ng as her family knows her — a wife, a mother and someone deeply loved.
