Dreams Take Flight

For most of us, it might seem like it was just another ordinary Saturday to kick back and let loose, but for the 60 people who had gathered at Pasir Ris Beach Park, it was truly an extraordinary day. They witnessed the happiest day of a young princess' life.

Princess' Party

Putri Nittra Tazqiah who is more affectionately known as Putri is a liver cancer patient who is currently receiving treatment at KKH Women's and Children's Hospital. The progress of her cancer is in Stage IV, which means that her cancer has meta-sized, and has spread to other parts of her body. In other words, her cancer is very aggressive, and she has little or almost no chance of survival.

Everyone in this world is born different, each with a specific purpose that they will figure out as time unfolds. As for Putri, she has been diagnosed with cancer since she was 1 year and 3 months old. So whatever purpose the higher world has entrusted Putri with, was certainly a special one.

For most parents, hearing doctors setting a cruel 'deadline' would be enough to make them lose hope and start counting down the days. But as for Yati Mohd, Putri's Mother, this only futher strengthened her resilient spirit. She remained strong, and wasn't willing to ever give up the fight. In fact, she set out on a mission. To use the power of love to grant Putri happiness, and to spread the lesson that she believes all parents can learn from Putri.

Well, one of Putri's dreams is to be a princess. So yesterday, sponsors and volunteers from all walks of life came together to join Yati Mohd's mission to turn Putri's dreams into a reality. There was a Princess-Themed Tea Party organized by the HeartGivers held yesterday, and we at The Great Escape were honored to attend and cover the event.

'Look here Putri!'

Ariffin and I arrived there about an hour before the start of the event and helped out with the setting up of the place. The event space was transformed into a mini princess palace, with a beautiful pink and white theme. There was a candy corner, a buffet spread, a long table for the princesses to dine at and even an entertainment corner with Magicians, Balloon Twisters and Face painters. This event is a fully-sponsored event, it is not a fund-raising event but an event to make Putri's dreams come true.

About 45 minutes before the start of the event,  I believe Hasria Hashim and Nadia Baharuddin was in-charge of the volunteers yesterday, gave a very inspiring speech as she delegated the roles to the volunteers. She reminded the volunteers to set differences aside to make Putri's dreams a reality. And the volunteers did just that, ensuring a very smooth flow of the proceedings and making everyone smile from ear to ear.

Putri made her grand princess-like entrance with a beautiful champagne gold dress, skipping happily to the event site. The shutter sound and flashes of many cameras filled the air as the beautiful Putri got crowned by her mother. She was also given a wand and a ring too. She innocently put the ring near her ear thinking it was a earring, which immediately brought tears of joy to all of us around. How cute of her!

             (note: please view from youtube as the background song is playing)

            

Putri soon joined the many other Beautiful Princesses at the long dining table, there was even a Ballerina and a Prince in attendance too. After the scrumptious feast, Putri's sister, Nasha, celebrated her 10th Birthday! Putri also cut a cake to celebrate! Then it was free and easy after that as the children were kept in awe by the enterainment and the parents and other invited guests mingled around with each other and of course all eyes were on the princess, as she took great pleasure in simple things like blowing bubbles and playing with her wand. Ariffin and I managed to snap a picture with the princess as she was blowing bubbles!

As for us at The Great Escape, we had a fruitful chat with Rima McDonald. She was the one that initiated the charity drive for Little Nur and now Hasria Hashim and her is leading the HeartGivers. She says that her main aim is to promote the spirit of volunteering among youths, for youths. She says that our previous post 'God Loved Her More' actually was one of the key driving forces in the formation of the HeartGivers, it was really an honour for us to hear that, and we were very happy to see HeartGivers formed up and now readily offering their services to put a smile on children's faces. They do conduct weekly visits to hospitals and are working with other organizations for collaborations in future events too.

Putri blowing bubbles!!

It was nice to see things shaping up in the HeartGivers, it is heartening to see that despite the busy Singaporean lifestyle that most of us are programmed to lead, there are still people out there who are willing to sacrifice their time for a selfless purpose. These people spend their time to make sure others have a good time. And HeartGivers unites these people and provides them with an ideal independent platform to reach out to those in need.

Singaporeans are too concerned about their selfish wants. One of the main excuses is the lack of time, but if you really want something, you won't have to find the time to do it.. You will MAKE the time to do it. A small action does a long way, even turning up at events like this is enough for a start.

To be able to put others satisfaction and happiness above yours is not something easy. No one ever said it was easy, but we got to remember that we are very fortunate, and we should reach out our hands to the less fortunate, and the intention to do this must be pure and must come from within.

The joy of being volunteer for me.. is to be able to see the smile on her face. Putri had never celebrated any party in her life before, and I felt honoured to be able to attend and help.

Although I only made a small contribution to the event, I know I did my best. I tell myself every time no matter in studies or sports how bad I score, the only thing that mattered was giving my absolute best.

I volunteered because I want to contribute to a cause I care about. It all started with Little Nur, To be able to help her by asking others to join the cause and promoting it through running is also something great for me. Let us start contributing to the society.

If you are interested to become a volunteer, you can fill up this form here.

I hope that HeartGiver's mission will spread the message of volunteering and many will come on-board to join them.

Thanks for using your precious time to read my post.

(Edited by Ariffin/Original Draft by Me)