Michael Ow

When Michael was 9 or 10 years old, he experienced the profound loss of his cousin, Pui Fun, who passed away from leukaemia at just 7 years old. Growing up in an extended Chinese family, Michael and Pui Fun often played together during regular family gatherings at their grandparents' house. Serious illnesses were rarely discussed with the children, but Michael noticed something was amiss when Pui Fun and her siblings stopped attending these gatherings.

The family gatherings were lively events, typically held almost every weekend. Michael’s aunts and uncles would bring their children, creating a group of at least five to eight cousins. While the adults chatted, played mahjong, prepared food, and socialised, the children played together in various groups or as one large group. As the eldest child, Michael was often tasked with looking after the younger ones, including Pui Fun, her younger sister, and her baby brother.

One weekend, Michael and his family were informed that Pui Fun had been ill and had passed away. Attending her funeral wake was a quiet and sombre experience. Michael recalls the red, swollen eyes of Pui Fun’s parents, clear signs of their overwhelming grief. Viewing Pui Fun’s body was surreal for Michael, leaving him dumbstruck and unable to fully process the loss. He was told that she had passed away from cancer of the blood, a term he didn’t fully understand at the time but instinctively knew was serious and terminal. It was his first encounter with the death of someone so young.

When Michael had the opportunity to leave a gift in his Will through ACRF Wills Day, he decided to include a contribution to cancer research. He believes in supporting the discovery of better treatments and cures for cancer to prevent other children from losing their playmates, siblings, and loved ones. For Michael, this gesture felt like a small yet meaningful way to make a difference—one that could even benefit his own family or future generations.

Michael finds inspiration in the idea that "many drops make an ocean" and hopes others will consider leaving a gift in their Will to cancer research. Together, such collective efforts can create an ocean of difference—a future where cancer no longer takes away those we love.