SINGAPORE – Antonela was just three years old when she was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in 2021. This is a cancer that develops in the nerve tissue and mainly affects children.
She fought hard for four years before dying at the age of seven in July 2025.
“She was a little warrior filled with bravery and courage. Despite her illness, she always led each day with smiles and joy,” said Ms Judy Tan, Antonela’s grandmother.
The 63-year-old homemaker, who is a Hair for Hope (HfH) ambassador, said that she wanted to stand in solidarity with other children who go through similar journeys as Antonela.
HfH is an annual head-shaving campaign by Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF) to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer.
Quotes from Ms Tan and two other HfH ambassadors – 16-year-old cancer survivor Iymran Firman and Mr Wu Tze Sien, whose son was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2013 and survived – are featured on an MRT train running on the Circle Line from May 4 to Aug 16.
The campaign’s aim is to deliver to commuters a message of solidarity and support, with the initiative marking the first collaboration between CCF and SMRT Trains.
