Before I Go — Reflections and Conversations on Life and Death
Published: 06 Jul 2022
How do you want to spend your last days? In our Asian society where death is oftentimes taboo, many of us refrain from entertaining such thoughts, let alone engage in uncomfortable conversations on this topic. However, as Minister for Health Mr Ong Ye Kung shared at the 7th Singapore Palliative Care Conference last year, discussing the sensitive issue of death more openly and honestly is an important aspect of Singapore’s healthcare that we must work on.
These “die-logues” are imperative in bridging the mismatch of expectations and desires between a dying patient, their loved ones and their healthcare team.
In recognition of the growing importance of such end-of-life conversations, Project Happy Apples is bringing back our annual public exhibition after a two-year hiatus. Founded in 2012 by students from the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Project Happy Apples is a student-initiated programme that raises awareness about palliative care and the importance of end-of-life conversations. Our vision is to normalise discussions around death and dying, empower future doctors and prepare society to cope with pertinent issues surrounding end-of-life planning.
This year, our exhibition will run for seven days from 11 to 17 July 2022, in JEM Basement 1. The public exhibition, themed “Dear Life…”, aims to educate, engage, and empower the public in starting end-of-life conversations with their loved ones. The exhibition will feature interactive games for families and friends to learn more about each other’s wishes and preferences.
Additionally, participants will be equipped with the knowledge of how palliative care can improve the quality of life for patients with life-threatening illnesses. Other interactive stations include the “Dear Life…” and “Before I Die” chalkboards, with prompts to encourage the public to express gratitude for the life they have, reflect deeply about what they value most, and make changes to better their lives while they still can.
This year, the Singapore Hospice Council, the Agency for Integrated Care and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital will also have booths at the exhibition to showcase the resources available for members of the public who wish to learn more about palliative care and end-of-life planning. Other partners include Dover Park Hospice, HCA Hospice Care, and Singhealth Community Hospitals, whose staff shared heartwarming and candid stories about their experiences caring for palliative patients, both young and old.
In Minister Ong’s words, let’s aim towards “a future where we can bring dignity, solace and comfort to the great majority of the dying”. In our rapidly ageing population, die-logues are now more important than ever. Through light-hearted yet thought-provoking activities during the exhibition, Project Happy Apples hopes to facilitate a change in the discourse surrounding death and dying in Singapore. Ultimately, we strive to cultivate an environment that allows patients to die with comfort and dignity.
To quote Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the first modern hospice, “you matter because you are you, you matter to the end of your life”.
Refer to the flyer below for more information about the other activities run by Project Happy Apples.
