A New Battle: Connie Sun’s Journey Through Breast Cancer During the Pandemic
When Connie Sun first met ALS in 2009, she survived a gnarly bout with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Fast forward to 2020, and she’s braced for a new, unexpected foe: stage 3 pregnancy‑associated breast cancer.
The Surprise in the Hospital
While nursing a 9‑month‑old baby, a routine scan in July 2019 revealed sinister signs. On March 5, 2020, the diagnosis hit her like a punch – “I was ready, but it still felt like a shock,” she confessed in a Give.Asia interview.
Three Life‑Changing Moments
- ALS in 2009 – a battle that tested her limits.
- A scan in 2019 – the first hint of cancer.
- March 2020 – the formal confirmation of stage 3 PABC.
What It Means for Connie
She’s not just fighting a disease; it’s a hard‑hit reality check that life can throw curveballs at the worst times. Imagine balancing an impending cancer diagnosis while also being a new mother during a global crisis.
Moving Forward
With her courage, Connie is navigating treatment options, leaning on family, and staying hopeful. She’s a reminder that resilience can shine even in darkness.
Diagnosed with breast cancer during Covid-19
When a Mother Turns Cancer into a New Chapter
Life, Lymph Nodes, and a Little Miracle
Connie, now a Singaporean‑birthed Seoul‑resident, faced a grim diagnosis: the cancer had spread to two lymph nodes. It felt like stepping onto a stage with a brand‑new, heavy spotlight—her life’s next act was suddenly titled “Cancer Patient.”
Despite the heaviness of the diagnosis, Connie kept the light on the person who made her entire world brighten—her 11‑month‑old son.
- Family First: Even while wrestling with her own health, Connie’s top priority was the little one who had taken the world by storm.
- “Baby Miracle”: The child was a gift delivered through IVF and what Connie calls the “mighty power of God.”
- Future‑Focused: “I want to be there for his growth,” she says, underscoring the drive to witness every milestone from the inside out.
In a world that can feel as if it’s abruptly paused, Connie’s story reminds us that even with a diagnosis that can feel like a 24‑hour news headline, the true headline can still be love, hope, and the gentle rhythm of a tiny heartbeat.
Lost job due to coronavirus pandemic
When Life Throws A Two-Ball Toss: Connie’s Rollercoaster Tale
After her cancer diagnosis had her feeling like she’d just been swept into a bottomless pit, Connie thought she could barely catch her breath — only to find out life was ready with another surprise.
Job Loss: The Pandemic Punch
In March of 2020, the coronavirus swept through jobs worldwide, and Connie’s teaching position vanished. She’d spent years guiding students through English, earning her living, and even moonlighting as a translator. Suddenly, the position was gone, and with it, her steady paycheck.
Healing’s Heavy Toll
Getting the right treatment meant stepping back from work, and that affected not just Connie; her husband was pulled into the same pit of financial frustration. The couple, both once contributors, suddenly had no income.
Hospital Rules & Family Care
In Korea, the standard practice is to have a family member stay on site full-time while a patient is hospitalized. With no money for outside help, Connie’s spouse stepped up as her bedside hero.
What a whirlwind! From teaching to caretaker, Connie’s story shows that sometimes the universe has a knack for tossing extra curveballs when you least expect them.
Support group to help raise funds
Connie’s Battle, Maren’s Lifeline
Connie’s fight against cancer has turned into a real-life drama—only without the popcorn. Since her diagnosis, her best friend Maren Trinh has stepped in as the ultimate “cancer doula.” They first bonded during their shared pregnancies and when Maren helped deliver Connie’s son. Fast‑forward a year, and Maren is now guiding Connie through the toughest part of her journey.
Why the Race is So Tough
- Connie has HER2+ cancer,
grade 3—meaning it’s a high‑grade beast. - The cancer has spread to two lymph nodes, adding extra layers of difficulty.
- Standard Korean health insurance won’t cover the aggressive, multi‑phase treatment required.
The Treatment Plan
- Multiple cycles of chemotherapy to shrink the tumour.
- Complex surgical removal of the tumour and affected lymph nodes.
- Targeted radiation therapy for a double‑dose of cancer control.
- Use of experimental drugs—because the tumor’s unique biology demands a custom approach.
All this happens at Gangnam Severance Hospital, where the team is pulling out all the stops. Unfortunately, none of these lifesaving steps are covered by the Korean health insurance system, so the financial strain is real.
How Maren’s Fundraiser Helps
To bridge the gap, Maren launched a fundraising campaign on Give.Asia. It’s a rally‑the‑community effort: friends, family, strangers—every donation helps keep Connie’s treatment on track. The goal? To cover hospital bills, experimental drugs, and the logistics of staying in Korea, especially since Covid‑19 travel restrictions forced all of the treatment to be done domestically.
Connie’s story is a reminder that cancer isn’t just a disease—it’s a community challenge. With Maren’s unwavering support and the generosity of online donors, hope keeps beating louder than the alarm clock.
Here’s the Lowdown on Connie’s Treatment in Korea
We want you to feel totally in the loop, so here’s a clear breakdown of what the treatment plan looks like and why your generosity matters.
What the Numbers Say
- All of Connie’s care—chemo, meds, hospital stay, and every other little part—totals up to 100 million KRW, which is about S$114,000 in Singapore dollars.
- The exact price of the surgery is still a mystery, like the show “Guess the Price.” We’re keeping it up—maybe it’s hidden behind a curtain of surgical cabinets or just a math problem.
- Every single cent you send goes straight to her hospital bills—no fun, no detour, just straight‑up support.
Why It Matters
By channeling 100 % of the donations straight to Connie’s bills, we keep the paperwork lean, the speckled box of bureaucracy empty, and the stress level low. You’re literally making a difference.
Thanks for stepping in and helping keep this mission moving—your support means the world!
Given a second chance at life
Connie’s 10‑Year ALS Tale: From Limbs to Laughs
“I didn’t want to drop another treatment season or hand this over to more strangers,” Connie confided, her tone a mix of stubbornness and hope. “I thought my last journey of receiving help was over.”
1. The Singapore Spin‑Cycle
- Getting a diagnosis in Singapore led doctors to point out there were no more plans on the table.
- For more than a year, Connie wrestled with muscle weakness that turned her left leg into a “piston‑like” dive.
- Spasms became the new rhythm of her day—yes, that’s how you win at life‑supporting breakdance.
2. The Latitude Leap to China
With the Singapore experts turning a new page on her treatment, Connie hopped over the seas to China for what she hoped would be a hopeful print.
“The Chinese doctors said something like, ‘Uh‑hm, we can probably give you 2‑5 solid years of life’,” she chuckles. “I never once bought that.”
- They were honest: “We’re not going to cure you. Our job is to make you comfy and keep the quality of life alive.”
- Their words became a mirror, reflecting her might‑we‑try‑again spirit.
3. The Big ‘Phew’: Walking Again
After being stuck in a wheelchair for three years, the miraculous “November 2011” breakthrough birthed her triumphant stride.
The whole world felt the same kick‑in-the‑pants that women who’ve moved across continents (like moving to Seoul in 2012) do: “It’s just a feeling of liberation that feels like you’re dancing with a good personal trainer who also happens to be your own resilience.”
4. The Sequel: Life in Seoul
Marrying a trusty partner and settling in Seoul in 2012 proved the new chapter in the sport of staying alive. With hopes for healthier days—yes and a smoother hip flexion— Connie kept her spin on the pulse of the city.
And so, the story doesn’t end. It’s paved with no exits yet. Connie’s got a life, a laugh, and a determination that’s louder than all the treatment charts that cornered her 10 years ago.
Thanks to her supporters
Connie’s Big Thank-You to Her Amazing Fans
In a recent chat with Give.Asia, Connie took a moment to gush about the flood of love she’s been receiving:
“I’m already so grateful for everyone who’s taken the time to listen, offer help, or simply show interest in my journey.”
She’s told her fans that the random messages from strangers on her Facebook page are the lifeblood that keeps her and her little 10‑month‑old son going. It’s that bright spark of hope that fuels the rest of her day.
Why Your Support Truly Matters
- Daily Motivation – Every kind word keeps her spirit soaring.
- Family Boost – The love she receives nets extra strength for her son.
- Sense of Community – Knowing she’s not alone transforms her battle into a shared adventure.
Ready to Join Connie’s Fight?
Want to help a real superhero who’s battling cancer? Drop a donation here: https://give.asia/campaign/strongertogetherconnie-battling-cancer-with-10-month-old#
Every little bit lifts her closer to victory—even the tiniest acts of kindness can make a world of difference. Thanks for cheering her on!
COVID-19 in the Mix: Cancer & Motherhood
Got a mom on a cancer treatment plan and the family’s already juggling work, school, and everything else? That was the hostile Reality TV of 2021. Now, COVID‑19 throws a fresh twist into the mix.
Why the Plot Twist Matters
When the immune system is on “slow‑motion” (thanks, chemo or radiation), the body’s little defenders can’t fight off the virus like they would for a normal person. That’s why “Mom‑turned‑Cancer‑Warrior” stories get a little extra drama.
Top 5 Things to Keep in Mind
- Vaccinate, vax‑iterate! The CDC recommends a vaccine for anyone who can get it. If your mom is eligible, that’s your first line of defense.
- Masking – The optional fashion statement A good mask can stop droplets like a superhero cape stops a villain.
- Keep the temperature cue A quick phone call to a high‑school science teacher (or your mom’s own doctor) if the fever doesn’t back down.
- Social distancing is my new yoga pose Short, relaxed sessions at home–no more “I’ll meet you in the car park” awkward stares.
- Support is an inside job Quick virtual check‑ins keep the vibe positive—and reduce the anxiety that fuels more stress.
Emotional Side‑Story: The “Caregiver Gig”
Remember the time you thought you were reading a book? Turns out, you’re acing a caregiver role. Moments of doubt are natural, but a sense of humor (smiles) helps keep the storyline from turning into a tragedy.
Takeaway
Viruses & cancer aren’t a perfect pair, but with vaccines, mask‑up, vigilance, and a dash of positivity, we can still write a hopeful ending. After all, each day survived is a plot twist that says: We’ve got this.
