Katelyn Chew Kai En

On that day, we’ve lost the most precious gem on Earth while the heaven has gained the sweetest angel.

Katelyn has always been a very considerate girl since the day I’ve met her. Our sessions were usually fuss free and she would always try her best. She would also entertain me by letting me try new exercises with her.

Sometimes, I feel that she’s so considerate to a point whereby I think that she’s just doing what others want rather than what she wants. I still remember how she decided to just choose “arts” as one of her “wishes” to fulfill because it’s the only feasible thing that she could do at that point in time. Deep down, I knew that she would want to be able to run, to dance, to sing and to do so much more. I’m just glad that in her last few months, she decided to do what she wanted and not what others wanted. Blind boxes and more blind boxes, and how she learned to say no. I remembered asking her if she would like to try transferring from bed to the wheelchair, the past her would have just agreed but in the past few months when admitted, she learned to say no because she is tired / not feeling up for it. I’m glad that she listened to herself.

Other than being considerate, Katelyn is also one of the most matured and brave kids that I’ve met. It is definitely not easy for herself to deal with the fact that she’s deteriorating each day from age 10, from being able to do the things she loved (ballet, singing,etc) to not being able to even move her limbs, speak or talk. Yet, she still put up a strong front in front of Joe and Annette, so that they won’t get sad or worried over Katelyn. I still remember how mummy and I were discussing about how to transfer Katelyn to the toilet safely and modestly, and Katelyn suggested mummy to remove her shorts before transferring from the sofa so it’ll be easier for mummy. Katelyn knew that it was not easy for mummy to transfer her and then remove her shorts, and hence suggested this way to make mummy’s life easier. My heart broke when she suggested that because that’s how considerate Katelyn is towards others, where she will always put others before her. She will always take into account other people’s feelings first then followed by her own feelings. It is definitely something we do not see in many 11 year olds.

Katelyn has brought a lot of laughters, joy and happiness to everyone who knew her, which is why grieving over her is so difficult.

Katelyn has carried a lot on her little tiny shoulders ever since her diagnosis. This time round, God has decided to take that burden off her, and promote her to become his little angel in heaven where she can run, dance, sing and do whatever she wants. Katelyn’s sufferings has stopped, and she’s now in a better place with no more suffering.

To Katelyn,
till memory fades and our lives depart, you will live forever in my heart.

To Joe, Annette and Kayson,
I hope that the sadness is not overwhelming you. That you can see the cracks of light in the dark. That the shadows are letting you break, hurt and heal without swallowing you up. And that you’ll learn to live with the love Katelyn has left behind.

- Melody, Therapist

Dear Katelyn,

It was a pity I didn’t get to meet you earlier when you were still able to speak and move but I heard so much about your love for art, as well as how neat and meticulous you are. Through our few art sessions together, I’ve seen the will in you as you continued to pick your favourite colours and organise them beautifully, and your determination to keep going though it might have been tiring for you. Thank you for showing me a glimpse of your world, your childlikeness and rich imagination through the many characters you like, and your fighting spirit to not give up even when the going was tough. May you rest where the rainbows never fade and joy never ends.<3

With love,
Li Ping
CCF

What comes to mind when i remember you, dear Katelyn, is your voice saying "approve", "disapprove" and the many "oh man!"; your love for characters like Sanrio characters (minus Kiromi), Sumikko; the sheer speed you completed LEGO sets one after another and your love for art & craft; and not forgetting you helped to name my rabbit "Hops".

You sailed this rough journey with cancer with such determination not to allow it to tear you down. You definitely had your fears and your worries - but nothing you didn't overcome with the support of your cheerleaders (i.e. your dad, mom, and Kayson, your BFF, Caramel and of course God - to just name a few).

Your personality shined through the roughest seas - Your desire for perfection and sense of order (everything big, small & teeny weeny had its right place in your eyes). I also recalled fondly of the many art-making sessions we shared and how at times you had fun stressing me out when you wanted me to mix this particular shade of color or you wanted something done a specific way.

Now as you completed your journey on earth and your have kept your sail, you leave behind a legacy of one young lady who did not surrender when waves crashed into your world from all directions. So, way to go girl! I am so proud of you! Rest in the safe arms of Jesus now. I will meet you again when my journey here is done.

Dear Joe, Annette and Kayson,

The Lord blessed us with the wonderful opportunity to meet Katelyn, and though brief, she has touched our hearts like no other. By that measure, many who have known her longer have been blessed by the gift of her life.

Our hearts mourn with your beautiful family of this temporal loss but yet rejoice in knowing Katleyn is now untethered, dancing with joy, doing pirouettes and laughing against the backdrop of the beautiful sun.

Ecclesiastes 3:4 NKJV
A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance.

In His Loving Grace,
Justin & Felicia

Katelyn, you've been a courageous and faithful soldier who persevered despite all the hardships, pain and disruptions in your life. Through it all, your smiles, humor and resilience was a powerful testimony of God's grace despite your suffering. Til we meet again in the Lord's presence (1 Thess. 4:16-18) - the Labubu uncle.

Dear Joe & Annette, thank you for sharing your grief and suffering with the body of Christ and ministering to others (e.g. my family during my Dad's passing with practical acts of love) even though you're still healing from your great loss (Rom 12:15). May the Lord's shalom fill you both and Kayson with the assurance of His love and comfort (Jer 31:13).

Katelyn was a brave, strong and kind girl. Her favourite song, Jesus Strong and Kind, was an inspiration for her to be like Jesus whom she loves with all her heart. Thank you Katelyn for teaching me to be patient and to persevere in suffering. She was very patient while receiving tender loving care from Annette. She persevered strongly, withstanding the pain of her medical condition, treatment and procedures. No more pain and suffering, dear Katelyn. Run freely in Heaven, run into the arms of Jesus. Till we meet again.

Dear Katelyn, you're a funny, polite and witty lady with a strong character and lots of resilience as you fought this battle. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey and i believe you are in good hands of our Lord now! Know that u are much loved and missed but we cling on to God's promises are we shall meet someday again!

Dear Katelyn, thankyou for giving me the opportunity to read to you twice when I visited you :) I am blessed to be able to have a glimpse into what you love doing.
You are so loved by your loved ones.
You will be surely missed and remembered.

-Nurse En Yun

I had fun showing Katelyn and Kayson a few years back how to prepare yusheng. It was just such joy doing it with her because she listened, followed instructions very well and was a great help.

My daughter, Faith and Katelyn are very close in age and I am very thankful that they have shared memories together as friends.

I shall always remember Katelyn as a courageous and determined girl who never gave up when faced with a life storm. The strength to fight, and the peace and hope in Christ that Katelyn had because of her trust in Jesus all affirm the truths that Jesus loves and will never leave us. We also heard from Katelyn that Jesus came to her many times when she needed Him. Thank God for Katelyn's testimony for Jesus and a remarkable life lived by His grace. We have been very blessed by Katelyn! All praise be to our God!

Dear Annette, Joe and Kayson,
When I think of Katelyn, I remember the song “Jesus Strong and Kind”—a song that my youngest daughter, Hannah, loved hearing in Sunday school at Mount Carmel. It was such a joy to hear it for the first time, and that memory will forever be tied to Katelyn’s spirit.
I also remember meeting Annette through the musical when my daughter Deborah was acting in it, as well as in our Mom2Mom and worship ministry gatherings. My heart truly broke when I received the news, and I found myself in tears. There is nothing more painful than the loss of a child, and I know that no parent is ever truly prepared for such a heart-wrenching moment.
The questions and emotions that follow such a loss can feel overwhelming, and while I may not know the depth of what you’re feeling right now, please know that I am here for you. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. If you ever need someone to talk to, someone to listen, or simply someone to walk alongside you through this unimaginable time, please do not hesitate to reach out.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Sharon (Ed, Deborah, Esther, Hannah) Chung

Matthew 5:4 (NIV) "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

I had fun with Katelyn. She was a nice friend and was very kind to me. I remember a time when I told them a joke to lighten up the mood and Katelyn couldn’t help laughing while Kayson was rolling on the floor in laughter 😊. Her infectious laugh always made my day. I was really glad to have her in my life. She is so brave, I wish I can be more like her.

Though I only had the privilege of meeting this sweet sweet girl late last year, I could already see that she was a very special girl. She had a brilliant mind and kind soul. Despite difficulties and physical limitations, she sought to find joy in the little things - from telling us her complaints (and joking about having pain everywhere!) to tolerating medical procedures. She showed everyone what true resilience and courage in the face of adversity look like. Kate will always be dearly missed and fondly remembered. May you find peace and comfort in knowing she is running carefree in heaven and snuggling in the arms of Jesus.

Katelyn was an incredible best friend to me.

I vividly remember the time when we were in P3-P4, and my parents volunteered at the school playground. I had to persuade her to join me, as she didn’t want to go. I’m grateful that I convinced her to come along, as it turned out to be a memorable and funny experience we shared.

I have created many other cherished memories with her; there are far too many to list. From me asking her to be my friend to visiting her house for movie nights, every moment was special. We often found it difficult to decide which videos to watch, as she had already seen most of them, so we opted to play Roblox instead.

Our time together is short but I have learnt so much from her. She is a determined fighter, a loyal friend and someone who will always light up the day with her little touches.

She was the kindest, bravest, most optimistic, resilient and caring person that I have ever known.

I cherish every memory I have with her. She is at peace now and I will always remember her.

Thank you for being my best friend!

Katelyn has made an indelible impact on me. I will never forget her. Through her, I witnessed resilience and strength of this beautiful girl. And the unconditional love and unwavering faith of her parents, as well as the pure sibling love of her brother.

As volunteers of SOSD’s Healing Paws, we received a request from HCA to do a private home visit for a young cancer patient. Katelyn was our first private home visit and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. We visited Katelyn on 4 September 2024. I saw a very sweet young girl sitting in the living room with her little brother, excited to meet my dog, Bella. We had a great session with her and Kayson. They learnt about Bella, we showed off some tricks but mostly, Katelyn was happy to be stroking Bella and having Bella sit next to her. For the next visit, I suggested bringing my other dog, Ally to play with Kayson while Katelyn had Bella.

The MSW told me that Katelyn’s speech was already impaired and her left arm had stiffened. But with her right hand, she could still do her signature 👍🏼sign whenever she’s happy and she would also giggle. Our last home visit was on 22 Jan 2025. By then she had deteriorated so much, she had little energy left but she was still very happy to see the girls, especially Bella.

She and Bella had this amazing connection. It was love at first sight for both of them. Perhaps it was the colour of Bella’s fur because this little girl’s fave colour was light brown/caramel…and never pink! Once, we wanted to leave the room while Katelyn had her milk but no, she wanted Bella to sit by her side throughout.

And after our last home visit, I saw her at NUH a couple of times as she was admitted in and out of ICU. One regret we had - we never made it to VivoCity together. I learnt that this girl loved to shop and when she heard doggies were allowed in the mall, we said we will go together when she got better. But sadly the day never came😭

RIP beautiful, sweet Katelyn. We miss you dearly and wished we had more time with you. But because we believe, we know we will meet again one day✝️🙏🏼🤎. Go pirouette on the rainbow bridge and promise, we will play with you again. 🤎🐶🐶The ABC Family

Remembering Katelyn Chew Kai En

Katelyn was a Primary 6 student at Alexandra Primary School (ALPS). Though I never had the privilege of teaching her personally, as Year Head, she was under my care, and I now teach her beloved younger brother, Kayson. Katelyn was the sweetest, kindest, and gentlest soul – always smiling, always radiating warmth. From Chiu 老师, Katelyn's P2 form teacher, "She was such a darling, always sweet and gentle, kind and considerate to her friends, a responsible and reliable student. She will be dearly missed."

Kate shared a special bond with her best friend, Alaynie - two hearts intertwined in friendship. Alaynie was more than just a friend to Katelyn; she was her anchor, her confidante, her safe space. Their friendship was one that was built on quiet understanding, and words were often unnecessary because they simply knew - one look, one small gesture, and they understood each other perfectly. Before Katelyn fell ill, they were inseparable, spending afternoons together on playdates filled with laughter and shared secrets. When Katelyn could no longer attend school regularly, Alaynie ensured she stayed connected to the world they once navigated side by side. She visited her, bringing news of their class – the lessons, the jokes, the little moments - so Katelyn never felt left out. In the way only a best friend could, Alaynie brought school to Katelyn, ensuring she always felt a sense of belonging.

In October 2023, Katelyn was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive brain tumour that develops in the brain stem. From that moment on, she displayed immense resilience, battling her illness with quiet strength, even as the steroids took their toll on her little body. She and Kayson shared an unbreakable sibling bond - before her illness, she was always looking out for her younger brother (sometimes nagging him to get off the iPad!). But as her voice grew weaker, Kayson became her mouthpiece, speaking for his jie jie with love and gentleness.

Through Katelyn, I witnessed the boundless depth of parental love. I never truly understood how the depths of love could be an ocean wide until I saw her parents’ unwavering dedication. Papa (Joe) flew to Germany every three months to hand carry medicine unavailable in Singapore, determined to find the best treatment for his baby girl. Mama (Annette) was always finding new recipes to blend the food Katelyn once loved into purées she could still enjoy. Even when she could no longer attend lessons, Papa made sure she still felt the joy of school – bringing her back for recess so she could laugh, eat, and catch up on all the latest goss with her best friends. During her recent stay in the ICU, Papa and Mama never left her side. No matter how exhausting, no matter how heartbreaking, they held her close, cherishing every single second together. And in her final moments, she was surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Even in the face of her illness, Katelyn remained an avid reader. She read voraciously, immersing herself in stories that transported her beyond her physical limitations. She read the entire series of Michael Morpurgo books, a reflection of her love of fiction and her insatiable curiosity. Books were her escape, her comfort, and her constant companion through the toughest days.

Katelyn also brought me closer to God. I have never prayed so fervently - for her healing, for her comfort, for her pain to ease. I will always treasure the memory of National Day (ND) last year when she returned to school. We had so much fun sitting beside each other and answering the ND quiz together. Despite her slurred speech, she impressed me with her sharp mind and got every answer right! We even shared a laugh when a student on stage confidently declared that McDonald's was a local Singaporean enterprise.

Katelyn, my heart aches with your absence, but I know you are now free from pain and suffering - dancing through fields of gold, surrounded by your beloved Sumikko Gurashi characters, Cinnamorolls, Mofusands and your one and only bunny, Caramel.

The teachers at ALPS will miss you dearly.

Ms Joanne will love you forever and always. I will remember your bravery and resilience. I will remember how gentle, kind and sweet you were to others. I will never forget you.

Two images remain etched in my mind to this day. The first was in 2024 when Katelyn sang for worship—she sat in a chair on stage, singing alongside the rest of the worship team. The second was at church camp that same year, when Annette and Joe walked beside her, assisting her as she took each step.

At the time, I didn’t know Katelyn personally, nor was I aware of her condition. Yet, those moments somehow stayed with me and spoke of a great faith I aspired to follow.

Katelyn’s life was a gift to us. Our CG had never gathered outside of a church/CG setting to pray together before. But when we heard that the church was forming a prayer chain for Katelyn, we came together for two nights—one just before she went Home, and another after. I believe Katelyn’s life stirred something deeper in our prayer life. Thank you, Katelyn, for showing us that we can dare come before God, to plead and pray as a community.

One of my reflections of our final goodbye to Kate. An assuring verse came as I watch Joe, Annette and Kate says their goodbye to Kate. Kate is in good hands of God.

Papa Joe joked that whichever angle you looked at Kate’s photo, she is looking at us :)

We caught many snapshots of God's loving care towards Katelyn, Joe, Annette and Jayson as they battled the illness together as a family. The strong faith of all, especially Katelyn, taught us that godliness precedes outcomes. The family's steadfastness in our Sovereign God is what pleases God. Indeed God's name is honored and glorified thru their unwavering trust in Him. We give thanks that Katelyn is home, forever safe in the arms of Jesus.

I remember one of the weekends in 2024 where Katelyn had accompanied her mom, Annette, to sing back-up for worship in church. Katelyn was probably the youngest back-up singer the music team has ever had. Despite the weight of illness, Katelyn persevered through all three services, and sang with a strength and purity that touched the hearts of many. When I asked her how she felt after first service, she replied very matter-of-factly that she was good. Her courage was not just in the face of sickness, but in the way she lived each day with an unshakeable spirit. She reminded me of what it was like to worship, regardless of the circumstances. Thank you, Katelyn. Hope you are having fun singing for the Lord. One day, we’ll play and sing praises in the same band together again.

I remember Katelyn for the song “Jesus Strong and Kind” which I loved when I first heard it sung in Mount Carmel. What a treat to watch the song as a video sung by Katelyn with her family. (Incidentally we were drawn to her since our granddaughter, just a year older, shares the same name.) Katelyn may have gone before us but she left a song which will bring her to mind every time we sing or hear it: Jesus is indeed strong and kind. Till we meet again, in the presence of our Lord Jesus, farewell for now.

When Net and Joe told me about Kate’s condition back in Oct 2023, we broke down together at the sofa seat at ME. There was deep sadness and no joy. Throughout the last 16 months, both Joe and Net weathered the whole journey with hope, faith and love. They refused to show Kate any sadness. Instead they turned every difficult moments into positive and sometimes funny (thanks to Joe). With that, Kate soldered on with resilience and a never give up attitude. I have not seen her cry or complain despitethe pain or being wheelchair bound. She still want to carry on with going to church and doing the fun things like claw machines with Chloe. The Chews gave thanks in every victories, help and mercies along the way. Indeed the Lord was with them, showing them little mercies which had seen them through.

Net shared with us that her colleague’s wife had a vision of Katelyn doing pirouettes and laughing infront of a very huge bright sun. Net also shared her favorite picture of Katelyn doing a ballet pose and that prompted me to draw this picture of Kate as I prayed for her. I wrote the words 喜乐 cos I know that she will be with joy as the Lord is with her.

Thank you Kate for helping aunty Sophia draw again :)

Katelyn or (The Kate) as as I fondly called her Was a persevering , Generous, and caring. She always gives me small little gifts as a present. I will never forget the smile on her face when we go out for playdates . I will miss her dearly, but I know that she is as happy as a lark in heaven and in the hands of God. Still, Katelyn sent me some messages of her.Like once, she showed me a cloud of our favorite character, Cinnamoroll. Though she is not with us physically, we will still remember all that she did on Earth. I Will continue to learn from her, the perseverance she shown. I am thankful that she helped me learn many virtues that I am not so good at. I will miss you, Kate, but I know I will see you again.

( She has a stare called a potato stare)
One thing we have in common is we both love to play claw machines ( and she is really good at it)

I had the privilege of being a ballet teacher to Katelyn, a sweet and reserved little girl with a big love for ballet. Her quiet perseverance in the craft fills me with awe, especially considering that she started ballet at a later age than her peers. No matter the struggle, Katelyn never gave up and kept on keeping on. Missing you Katelyn, you fill up a big space in my heart ❤️

I came to know about Katelyn’s facial palsy on 2/10/23 when Annette first texted me. From here on, when the final diagnosis was DIPG, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a rare and aggressive brain stem tumour affecting young children, the Chew family was thrown into an ocean of extreme difficulties.
I remember the stereotactic biopsy of the brain stem, the targeted radiotherapy which can only slow the tumour, and finally chemotherapy using ONC201 which was not even available in SG, and the drug being the subject of a lawsuit between the USA and Germany, with uncertain availability.. How Joe travelled to Germany on many trips to procure the drug, and carried it back by delicately refrigerated containers like precious treasure, to be administered to Katelyn.
How many of us prayed regularly and earnestly during all of the above events as we anxiously waited for updates, somehow managed to bind us together as more people were added to our chat group.
Through it all, there were blessings and setbacks, we rejoiced and gave thanks for successes and improvements, we struggled with complications and cried out to God for mercy and healing. All of us, in our various workplaces, homes, schools, holidays have stopped in our schedules to appeal to God for this family. Many have visited and ministered to the family through different ways, always loving, always caring.
However, God had taken Katelyn back to Himself. I could be disappointed and upset with the outcome, but by God’s strength, (certainly not my own), I choose joy. I choose to focus on how God gave resilience to this young girl, and supported her with his everlasting arms so that she could undergo all the treatment, pain and suffering with such composure and grace. I have seen this in her eyes even when she could no longer speak or nod. Her determination and adaptive will to carry on reading books, letters, postcards when physical activities could not be managed was nothing short of inspiring.
The love and devotion in this family touched many as Joe, Annette Katelyn and Kayson continue to serve in church, attend Carmel kids despite the increasing limitations they faced as the disease progressed. I am humbled even as I write these memories but I stand assured that God who has loved us more than we will ever know, will continue to watch over this family, and Kate is truly free at last!

As an adult, I’ve learnt so much from Katelyn, despite only having known her in 2024.
The P5 Camp and the NE show are two highlights of every P5 student and I am so glad that Katelyn experienced both. I hope that Joe, Annette and Kayson remember Katelyn, for her outdoorsy side, which mesmerised me.
She could have been excused from many activities, PE included, but she never did.
I remember those earnest eyes of her, in awe at the camp instructor’s instructions as she learnt to make a trap to catch some fish.
I remember that look of concentration she exhibited during PE classes, as she honed her ball control skills through modified tasks - her eyes gleaming when she completed the task or improved on her control.
Unknown to her, she had not only taught her peers but also this teacher, the need to celebrate the little successes and achievements in life.
Our time together though short, was so full and sweet. Thank you Katelyn. One is never too old to teach and for that I thank you for those precious lessons you taught me. May your family smile at these memories of you.

Joe was a schoolmate of mine at Gan Eng Seng School from 1989 to 1992. While we weren’t the closest of friends back in the day, we shared a mutual respect and camaraderie. My family and I first learned of Katelyn's illness in late 2023. Over the course of the following year and a half, Joe often spoke of her courageous struggle, one she faced alongside her family with unwavering strength. Throughout that time, Katelyn and the Chew family's journey was nothing short of a profound testament to resilience, perseverance, and determination, the qualities I witnessed through Joe’s heartfelt reflections during the late-night sessions I had the privilege of sharing with him. Though Katelyn has passed from this world, the legacy she leaves behind is a story of courage and unyielding will. It will endure in the hearts of all who knew her, and her spirit will be passed on through those who carry her memory forward. May Katelyn rest in eternal peace.

In one of our family gatherings; Katelyn quickly sensed the shyness and discomfort in our children upon meeting them. She took the initiative to break the ice and played games with them. Katelyn will forever be remembered and etched in our hearts as being the kindest and sweetest girl who cares for everyone around her. We will never forget and she’s always be a motivation for us to be the best version of ourselves in our time here.

I first met Katelyn when I was teaching swimming to her and her brother Kayson. She impressed me as an intelligent, bubbly kind and well brought up girl. Very fast learner and at times playful when she is with Kayson, as all young siblings are. I didn’t expect her to have this illness and to leave us in such a short span of time. She fought the illness bravely with the love and support from her loved ones especially her parents. Although I only taught her swimming for about a year before she had to stop classes due to the illness, she has brought a lot of fun and joy to the lessons we had. I always looked forward to the lessons with her and Kayson. I will not forget Katelyn. May she rest in peace.