S$1M Proceeds from Woman that Died of Ovarian Cancer to be Donated to Charity

When someone is at death’s door, they usually think about the legacy they’re about to leave behind.

It’s only natural to want to be remembered once you’re no longer around. Some people, for instance, may create a piece of work as a symbol of their time on Earth.

But for this terminally-ill woman, her only concern just before passing on was to help the needy.

Diagnosed With Cancer in 2018

In 2018, 63-year-old Doris Chua Kheng Geck, a private tutor, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Chua had undergone chemotherapy, but she suffered a relapse last year in August. The cancer had spread to her brain by then, causing her vision and hearing to deteriorate.

Sadly, on 20 March this year, Chua passed away with her family by her side.

Dying Wish Was to Donate to Charity

According to AsiaOne, when Chua received her cancer diagnosis, she began drawing up a will for the proceeds from the sale of her home to be donated to charity.

Her two-bedroom condominium, located in Pasir Ris, is worth an estimated $1 million dollars.

Three years ago, when Chua was still living in a unit at Pearl Bank Apartments, she told Lianhe Waobao that she planned to sell her house and donate all the proceeds to charity.

After an en bloc sale, the home tutor moved to Seastrand condominium at Pasir Ris Link.

Her family is now helping her with her final wishes.

Sponsored Ethiopian Girl as Well

Chua’s charity of choice is World Vision, a humanitarian organization that helps children, families, and their communities overcome poverty and injustice.

Besides her generous donation to this charity, Chua had also been sponsoring an Ethiopian girl who is now 14.

Prior to her death, Chua gave the charity enough money to support the girl until she turns 18.

Sanguine About Her Fate

While most of us would have crumbled, and understandably so, Chua remained optimistic.

As her younger sister told Lianhe Wanbao: 

“My younger sister was sanguine about her illness, and even comforted me by telling me she had accepted her fate”.

Before her death, the 63-year-old penned her own obituary which was published on Tuesday (23 March) in both English and Chinese.

“I have been through many of life’s challenges in these 63 years. The ups and downs had been made much easier and more colourful because of your loving kindness, support and friendship throughout my journey”, Chua wrote.

“Heaven had indeed blessed me abundantly with many good things in life and I felt extremely fulfilled.”

“Farewell, my dearest family and friends!”

As she wished, Chua’s family scattered her ashes at sea so she could “continue her travels”.

Featured Image: Facebook (Ronnie Khoo/REST IN PEACE)