On 4 December 1989, HCA Hospice (HCA) was officially registered as a charity. It was then known as Hospice Care Association, driven by the zealous efforts of Dr Cynthia Goh, Dr Anne Merriman and a group of volunteers.
They were a small team with big dreams of serving as many patients with life-limiting illnesses as possible, enabling them to live with dignity, in the comfort of their homes. Over the next three decades, the organisation flourished and grew, touching numerous lives along the way.
Today, HCA has served more than 70,000 patients since its registration in 1989, anchored by the same pioneering spirit of its founding members.
Kicking off the first of a series of events to mark the momentous milestone is the HCA 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner. Graced by Mdm President Halimah Yacob, the event showcased the unity of all stakeholders in their support for hospice care. Attended by 600 HCA donors, pioneers, volunteers, staff, patients and their families, the Gala Dinner was a fun-filled night for all, replete with performances and fringe activities.
The gala dinner guests had much fun at the photobooth.
In line with the 1989 theme, there were a number of food booths serving old-school snacks, including putu piring, muah chee and kacang puteh.
Veteran singer Jacintha Abisheganaden regales the crowd with a medley of songs.
In Mdm President’s speech, she reiterated the importance of HCA’s work: “The cost of quality hospice care does pose a barrier to some people. To ensure that no one is denied of the care they need in the last stage of their journey, HCA Hospice provides its services to its patients for free.”
The setup of “A Good Day” photo-exhibition.
In line with HCA’s 30th anniversary theme, “Creating More Good Days With You”, HCA also launched the “A Good Day” photo-exhibition at the Gala Dinner. Featuring 20 snapshots of our patients in the midst of having a good day, the photo-exhibition explores the notion of joy, comfort and happiness for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Mdm President takes the time to speak with the patients and their families.
A good day means something different for each of our patients, but they all have one thing in common – to live life with dignity, making the most out of every moment.
Mdm President takes a group photo with patients and families featured in the “A Good Day” photo-exhibition.