Cancer survivor, student volunteer lauded for serving community

13 people, organisations feted at President's Volunteerism and Philanthropy Awards

- Jessica Novia

In 2011, Mr Ellil Mathiyan Lakshmanan was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Shortly after, doctors found that he also had testicular cancer.

Because of the rectal cancer, he had to have part of his bowel removed. A permanent stoma bag was attached to his abdomen to help him remove body waste.

"Of course, I was devastated and very anxious, wondering how I was going to go about life as I knew it, with the permanent stoma and stoma bag," he said.

He felt that even though he was cared for medically, there was little emotional support for patients like him.

"I relied a lot on the internet to look for people who had gone through the same journey," said the 65-year-old who is married with no children.

Together with a group of colorectal cancer survivors, he co-founded the Ostomy Association of Singapore in 2014. He and a small group of key volunteers have over the years reached out to nearly 800 people, offering reassurance, emotional support, advice and practical information.

At the annual President's Volunteerism and Philanthropy Awards on Nov 13, he was among 13 individuals and organisations across 10 categories lauded for serving the community.

They were selected from more than 294 nominations. Presented by the president of Singapore, these awards represent the highest honour for giving in the country.