Tragic Yet Unstoppable: The Woo Sisters and Their Fateful Battle
Within a fleeting five-year period, a mother named Amberly Woo faced a double tragedy—her two daughters both fell victim to the same relentless disease. The culprit? A rare genetic disorder that opened the door to a lethal punchline: the same type of esophageal cancer that stole their lives.
Amberly’s Raw Confession
When the 64‑year‑old spoke to Shin Min Daily News, she painted a picture of grief that feels all too real. “In the end, the same cancer met their ends,” she told reporters, letting tears trace her words.
The Story of the Khoo Sisters
It all began with Pamelyn Khoo, the elder daughter. At eight years old, in the year 1985, she received a diagnosis of Fanconi anemia—an uncommon genetic flaw that can deplete the body’s blood‑producing power.
- Diagnosis: Fanconi anemia (1985)
- Age at diagnosis: 8
Then, five years later, Perryn Khoo—a young five‑year‑old—found out she, too, carried the same genetic mark.
- Diagnosis: Fanconi anemia (1990)
- Age at diagnosis: 5
What Fanconi Anemia Means
People afflicted by this rare genetic illness often suffer from a bone‑marrow mishap—producing fewer blood cells than the body needs. The twist? It puts them at a higher risk of cancer, especially the stubborn type that invaded the esophagus.
Traces of the Syndrome
Andy Woo noticed faint bruises under her daughters’ hands and feet—just like Pamelyn had long ago. He whispered to the doctors, “There are similar bruises on her undersides too.”
After a few rigorous tests, the verdict was clear: Perryn, just like her sister, was battling Fanconi anemia. It was a painful confirmation for a mother who had already endured too much.
How the Family Combated the Fight
- Early detection: Regular blood tests and imaging
- Supportive care: From doctors to friends, everyone rallied
- Psychological resilience: Amberly kept herself upright amid heartache
In a world that loves stories of triumph, this tale reminds us that sometimes it’s only the courage to keep going that shines through. Though the disease locked its iron fist onto the sisters, their legacy is a testament to perseverance, family, and the impossible human will that some can’t break out of the awaiting sorrow.
Blood in her tears
From Tears to Triumph: The Heart‑Wrenching Story of a Young Fighter
Just a year after a startling diagnosis, a little girl named Khoo was discovered to have a shocking amount of blood in her tears. The family’s quick thinking led to a life‑saving emergency bone‑marrow transplant—thanks to a surprise match in her younger brother.
Family Heroes and Fast‑Track Testing
- Every household member lapsed through a compatibility test.
- The younger brother emerged as the star match.
- “We had a full-on family rock‑star blood‑type session,” says Woo, who’s a real‑estate agent by day.
Ring of Hope, Ring of Haunts
After a triumphant operation, Khoi went on to lead an ordinary life—until a darker turn in June 2020. At 34, she was hit with a fresh cancer diagnosis that would derail everything.
To remember her path forward, Khoi created a YouTube channel called “Canster”. It’s a portal that chronicles her fight, the highs, the lows, and a bit of humor to keep spirits high.
A Family Remembered
Khoi’s elder sister passed away in 2015 at 38, leaving a great void. Then, in November 2020, Khoi herself succumbed to the disease after only five months of battling it.
Woo now carries the torch, uploading videos to keep Khoi’s memory alive and to inspire others who’re facing similar battles.
From Grief to Give‑Back: The SuperStar Charity Golf & Dinner
Rubbing shoulders with sorrow, Woo decided to transform her loss into a beacon of hope. In September, she organized the SuperStar Charity Golf and Dinner for the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
- Raised around $360,000 in one night!
- A similar event was held in 2018, proving even fun can be fundraising.
- “I don’t want any parent traveling this painful road,” Woo told a reporter named Shin Min, “and I’m ready to give back.”
Woo reminisces with tears yet smiles—a tug of war between grief and joy. She says, “Pamelyn was like my best friend. Perryn was the playful wild card among our three.”
The Human Touch
In a candid interview with a Chinese daily, Woo couldn’t hold back tears. “My son and I miss our daughters every day,” she confessed, saying every day is a tribute to their lives.
With the weight of personal loss turned into philanthropic action, Woo is proving that hearts — even those shattered by cancer — can still plant seeds of hope.
