MSF Will Continue to Build on Collaborative Approach to Supporting Families: Masagos

Shortly after getting married in 2021, social worker Eleanore James and her husband Timothy James started trying for a child – something Mr James had always wanted. But two months in, she experienced a sharp abdominal pain which landed her in the hospital. A battery of tests found cancer in both her ovaries.

- Ng Wei Kai

She said: "My oncologist told us the very devastating news that it is not possible for us to have children.

"I felt like our world crashed. I had to make a difficult decision to propose an annulment to Timothy since we were still newly married."

But Mr James refused: "I did not even want to reconsider. I remembered my wedding vows towards her – in sickness and in health."

On May 31, the couple's story was featured in an interactive exhibition at the launch of this year's National Family Festival.

The showcase features a selection of stories about the ups and downs of family life submitted by over 500 families for a campaign run by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) called "Real Families, Real Stories".

Mrs James, now 36, and Mr James, a 43-year-old halfway house operations assistant, chose to participate because they wanted to bring hope to other couples.

The launch event was held at the Singapore Expo, and marks the start of a series of events across the island in June.