Aspac - Assisi Palliative Care, 49 Jalan Railway 1/2, Petaling Jaya (2026)

11/06/2026

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES

THE AsPaC VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Dr Inthirani, a retiree from the Government service, shares her perspective about her journey with hospice patients as a volunteer doctor with AsPaC.

Musing on what to do next I was excited when I received a call from Dr Lalitha asking if I would like to join AsPaC as a volunteer doctor. It was totally unexpected and I had not heard of AsPaC until I was informed it was a hospice at home care program serving the community free of charge.

After pondering for two days I decided to venture into this new world of medicine. Six months on and I realize there is so much of worry and anxiety in each and every case which causes so much of adjustment in the family dynamics. Every time that I visited a patient at his or her home it urged me to find out the Absolute. I saw people suffer terribly from advanced disease and the families in such dilemmas. Sometimes there is so much of emotion but it is so difficult to understand why. It has made me stop and reflect more deeply about Life, pain and pleasure and the reason why we are here on this Earth and why each one of us has to go through so many different experiences and struggles. I felt these terms were inseparable.

I used to go back so drained after seeing just three to four patients and reflected how I used to see 80-100 patients daily at the out patient department previously. There were days that I could not sleep thinking about the suffering I had witnessed. Inspite of all this there was a tremendous amount of gratitude, warmth and sense of satisfaction. I felt that I was doing an even greater service to Mankind than in the past. This work has made me learn the simplicity, the harshness and the grandeur of life. It has taught me to serve and love all those who are sick and suffering before it is too late.

There is happiness while helping those in sorrow and distress. It's made me realise the need to be tactful in dealing with the feelings of others in a sweet and harmonious manner and also master situations without causing undue disruption or disturbance. The AsPaC group of volunteers are always so cheerful and ready to radiate brightness to all around them. This contributes to the peace of mind and strengthens the hearts of the sick. Cheerfulness and laughter therapy is contagious. It changes depression into brightness and sickness to health.

To do this kind of work I realized one should possess physical strength, mental fortitude and spiritual courage at all times. Teamwork is of dire importance. There were times when I wondered whether I should quit till I came across this verse by Swami Sivananda (a Hindu saint from Rishikesh, North India):

COMPLAIN NOT
Do not attempt to run away from surroundings that are not to your liking.
God has placed you there to make you grow quickly.
If you get all your desired comforts in a particular place you will not grow strong.
Triumph over all our difficulties with courage

Extract from Newsletter Vol. 3

09/06/2026

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES

Dr Leonie Zadow from Central Adelaide Palliative Care Service, South Australia, shares her experiences of her visit to Malaysia, in particular, AsPaC.

There's a wonderful quote from Malcolm Muggeridge when visiting India and filming at the Home for the Dying - "Mother Teresa's Home for the Dying is overflowing with love, as one senses immediately on entering it. This love is luminous, like the haloes artists have seen and made visible round the heads of the saints. ... And ... the light is quite exceptionally lovely ..." I thought of that quote every time I entered the offices of AsPaC. From the first to the last time, my outstanding impression is one of Light - embodied by care, dedicated skill, and, great heart.

I am a Palliative care physician. I come from Adelaide, Australia and my friend and colleague, Dr Lalitha Jeyasingam, invited me to come to Malaysia to spend some time in the community service of AsPaC.

It was a very busy two weeks but an outstanding time for me as I experienced the broad reach of palliative care in Malaysia especially the luminous sense I had whenever I entered the AsPaC offices. That will stay with me.

The team I work with in Adelaide has a community arm to our service - we serve an area with around 450,000 people. For that we have 21 full time medical staff and other allied health workers, volunteers, art therapist and administrative staff who all work across our community and inpatient and hospital consult programs.

Imagine how humble I felt coming into the team at AsPac, who serve a similar population size with 6 medical staff, a counsellor and an administrator! To do this work with so few staff, yet to still be luminous, is a great testament to the dedication and compassion as well as true professionalism of all the staff.

The saying "above and beyond the call of duty" came to mind often - when attending to patients at 2.30am, having conversations in the evenings and weekends with on-call nurses and other staff - and I realised the full extent of the care that is offered and the enormous dedication of the small band of staff.

I so appreciated the time each staff member took to chat with me and explain some of the work they do. I also enjoyed the visits we made to patients and their families in their homes. I think it is the same everywhere but it always impresses me and again makes me very humble when patients are so willing to share their journeys with whoever comes - even if it's a strange doctor from another country.

I was also inspired by the wonderful band of volunteers - who seem to come from all sorts of backgrounds and have such a wide range of gifts and skills to offer the program and its clients. Their passion to contribute, to learn and to engage with staff and clients is awe inspiring.

We had so many occasions to learn and grow and laugh together. I hope the small offerings I made to add a little bit of teaching and inspiration was worth-while. Certainly, I was blessed and inspired over and over.

Palliative Care is alive and very much growing in Malaysia. How important it is to recognise that, no matter the country, the race or religion, no matter who we are; as we face death we all stand as equal - deeply human and in need of each other.

Extract from Newsletter Vol. 2

08/06/2026

Countdown to SIC's Car Boot & Preloved Sale. Happening this SUNDAY, 14 JUNE from 7AM-1PM.

PROMOTION: Purchase RM50 worth of stuff from the AsPaC booth and get a FREE rainbow umbrella!!

See you there!!

04/06/2026

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES

MY JOURNEY AS A PALLIATIVE CARE NURSE
by Sister Emelda Yan

"I can do things you can't, You can do things I can't, Together we can do great things." - Mother Teresa

I was sent to Assisi Palliative Care (AsPaC) in Petaling Jaya, for 2 years, by the Sisters Of St Francis of Sarawak, to learn and gain experience in palliative care.

It was very challenging and tough for me in the beginning because everything was new to me. I also found, to my dismay, that I had to drive to many areas in the Klang Valley using a GPS which I am unfamiliar with. Language was also a challenge - my English was poor as BM was widely used in Sarawak. Some days, I would end up in tears, convinced I could never be a good palliative care nurse.

In AsPaC, I attended courses about palliative care and I learned 'on the job' from the other nurses in my team. They often helped me and taught me what I needed to know. I also learned from the patients whom I cared for. They helped me understand and appreciate life better. As I journeyed with them during the last stages of their lives, I learnt about courage, hope, endurance and faith.

Sometimes I felt frustrated and helpless when I could not manage symptoms, especially when the patient was in pain. However, most of the time we CAN relieve pain and other symptoms. It gives me great satisfaction when I see my patients free of symptoms and able to have some quality of life despite the advanced state of an illness.

Two years flew by quickly! I look back and see that all the challenges I had faced have helped to build my confidence and given me a much better understanding of people and palliative care. Now I can proudly say that I can manage pain and other symptoms well and I am also skilled at carrying out nursing procedures.

I find that palliative care really does improve quality of life for the patients and their family. I believe that my presence, love, care and concern for the patients and families brings comfort, hope and a feeling of security. I feel fulfilled and happy when I can achieve the goals of care for my patients.

I am grateful and thankful to my palliative care team who helped and supported me along the way. Without their love, support and care I would not have been able to make it on my own and I might not be the person who I am today.

I really love doing this job. So, when my Superior General, Sister Flora, asked me to return to Sarawak, I had mixed feelings - happy to go back but sad to leave behind my patients.

I left AsPaC, after 2 years, to serve our own Nursing Home in Kuching. With all the experience and the knowledge I had obtained at AsPaC, I aim to give my best in Sarawak.

It is also my dream to open a day care center or an in-patient Hospice facility to serve patients in Kuching in the future.

Extract from Newsletter Vol. 1
July - December 2015

03/06/2026

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Assisi Palliative Care (AsPaC) - formerly known as Assunta Palliative Centre - was incorporated in July 2015 and is a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital.

We provide hospice-at-home palliative care services covering areas not served by other Hospices, where possible.

'Palliative Care' is a specialised way of providing supportive care for any person with a life-threatening illness approaching the end of life. It is available for everyone: young and old, those with cancer or any other terminal diagnosis, people of any ethnic or cultural background, wherever they reside.

The idea of facing a critical illness such as cancer, end organ failure or other chronic life threatening illnesses is certainly daunting. At some stage in our lives we will encounter such situations whereby our loved ones, family, friends or maybe we ourselves are affected.

Statistics indicate that an estimated 90,000-100,000 people in Malaysia are living with cancer at any one time. It is estimated that one in four Malaysians (1:4) will develop cancer by the age of seventy-five years. The National Cancer Registry of Malaysia records 21,773 Malaysians being diagnosed with cancer but estimates that almost 10,000 cases are unregistered every year (NCR 2015). Many patients suffer needlessly from uncontrolled pain and other symptoms at home before they die.

Therefore, palliative care services are very much needed and we hope to complement the services offered by the other Hospices in the Klang Valley.

We provide skilled, compassionate palliative care to ameliorate symptoms and relieve suffering, thereby improving quality of life for patients and families. The home care team consists of a doctor, nurses, counsellors, medical social worker and volunteers. We also provide medication, medical equipment and bereavement support.

ALL THESE SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE to the patient and funded by generous donations from Corporations and individuals.

We aim to 'Do everything for love, even the most ordinary things' and in the words of Dame Cecily Mary Saunders (founder of the modern palliative care movement) - "You matter because You are You. You matter to the last moment of your life and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully but also to live until you die".

DR PATRICIA POR
Board Director

Extract from Newsletter Vol. 1
July-December 2015

26/05/2026

MY RESOLVE 2020
by Mr Sabapathy

I have but little wish to be younger.

I dread the increase of infirmities that will make me a burden to those around me, those dear to me.

I am silent about my miseries.

I am indifferent to my present drawbacks and continue to turn my attention away from my own future.

I immerse myself in whatever objective interests that still remain accessible.

I contemplate whatever ideal aspects of existence my philosophy is able to present to me.

I sympathise with other people's overly burdensome affairs but do not allow them to overburden me.

I attempt to cultivate cheerful manners.

I need to practise patience, resignation, trust and tolerance.

Let the end come, let peace come with it.

Let me slip away quickly and as quietly and comfortably as I can; NOW.

_____________________________________________________________________

AsPaC says .....

Mr Saba is a retired surgeon, a cancer survivor and a gentleman with a wry sense of humour. Aging - he is 85 - has not prevented him from learning how to use the computer and internet technology. He describes his desktop unit as "Daisy - his best friend". He writes articles, poems, buys groceries online and spends time surfing the net when he feels up to it. Mr Saba enjoys carving odd pieces of wood into various objects/shapes and many hours of dedicated work goes into his craft.

He has formed a strong friendship with his hospice nurse, whom he calls his "granddaughter!"

_____________________________________________________________________

Extract from Newsletter Vol. 10
January - June 2020

22/05/2026

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES

This short note of appreciation by Madam Fong Wai Heng is being published posthumously.

My name is Fong Wai Heng. I am 62 years old. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2010. I underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I was well for some time but in 2013 the cancer came back and it had spread to my liver. I had to have another round of treatment and multiple hospital visits thereafter.

During this difficult period, my oncologist referred me to AsPaC. I looked forward to the regular visits by the AsPaC doctors and nurses and their loving care and compassion helped me to overcome my pain and discomfort. They gave me the strength to keep going even through life's darkest moments.

(Mdm. Fong passed away shortly after sending us this note. We regret that she did not get to see her words in print. We salute her free spirit, courage and positive approach to life).

Exract from Newsletter Vol. 1
June - December 2015

22/05/2026

Art students from the primary and secondary sections of elc International School recently came together in support of AsPaC through two meaningful fundraising initiatives — the Chinese New Year Cookie Sale and the Easter Cookie Sale.

Held over two days each, on Mondays and Tuesdays just before the respective festive celebrations, the cookie sales brought excitement and a strong spirit of compassion across the school community. The students played an important role in promoting and selling the cookies, enthusiastically encouraging friends, teachers and parents to support the cause.

What made the initiative especially heartfelt was that every cookie was lovingly home-baked and decorated by Ms. Bushra and her daughters - making the effort a deeply personal contribution from the family in support of palliative care services.

Through the enthusiastic participation of the students and the generosity of the school community, the initiative successfully raised RM1,700 for AsPaC.

The cheque donation presented by elc International School reflects the school’s commitment to compassion, community service and making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families under palliative care.

21/05/2026

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES

Being An AsPaC Volunteer
by Datin Sivamani Rasiah

When AsPaC first started operations, my friend Kamala asked if I would like to be a volunteer in the Home Care Programme. I immediately turned it down because I felt that it would be depressing and painful. But after hearing stories about the happiness, care and comfort that volunteers could bring to these terminally ill patients, I thought, "Why not give it a try?"

The training session was conducted by Dr Lalitha Jeyasingam, the Medical Director. During the session I was fascinated to discover that the word "hospice" is derived from the Latin "hospitium" which means 'hospitality'. During the Middle Ages, the nuns and monks had also offered shelter, food and care to travellers who unfortunately contracted illnesses along the way and had died in these convents and monasteries thus giving rise to a very early form of 'hospice'. Dr Lalitha also shared her experiences working in several hospices, both in Malaysia and overseas.

Sister Mary Kristin FMM, Grief Counsellor, counselled us on how to handle grief and loss as volunteers. She suggested very practical steps to handle stress through gardening, walking and exercise, listening to music, sharing with friends, meditation, keeping a journal and simply being grateful and counting our blessings.

A slot I found very useful was "Boundaries and Self-care" by Sharon Dabi, the Nurse Manager. She spoke of the need for strong boundaries between work and life and the need for balance.

Sharon also warned of the dangers of burnout - physically, emotionally and spiritually - and the need for us to acknowledge our own vulnerability as volunteers. We must be aware of the need to process our feelings of grief and pain when we empathise with our patients and when we lose them.

Sharon shared a Self-Care plan where we can take care of our physical body by listening to our body and taking care of it by exercising, massages, yoga, breathing exercises and conscious eating. Emotional and cognitive self-care is necessary to soothe, express and release mental anxiety. She emphasized that laughter is the best therapy! Spiritual therapy can be through prayer and meditation. Even listing of the positive things in our lives and doing random acts of kindness can be empowering.

There was a session on the role of volunteers as well. Through the many anecdotes and stories shared, we learnt of our roles, the boundaries that we should not breach and the self-care we must exercise so as not to be taken advantage of!

During the second training session, Dr Lalitah spoke on "End of Life Care - The Terminal Phase" while Sharon spoke on "Infection Control".

During these sessions, we could feel the dedication, care, love and joy of the AsPaC medical team for their vocation. We felt empowered by their sheer determination to help their patients.

I hope that I will turn out to be a good volunteer, helping in some small way to bring comfort and ease to those who are in need.

Extract from Newsletter Vol. 1
June - December 2015

19/05/2026

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES

A Caregiver's Story
by Mrs Anna Hue

My mother-in-law was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. The news was a blow to the family. Aged 89, she had generally been in good health and had regular medical check-ups every 6 months.

From the time I got married my mother-in-law had stayed with us. Because I had lost my own mother when I was a teenager, she was like a mother to me. I was fortunate to find a mother figure in this remarkable woman.

She started with bad coughing spells and shortness breath which escalated to the point where we had to hospitalise her.

After a battery of tests, scans and examinations, we were told the grim news - her condition was bad with fluid building up in her lungs.

Due to her age, an operation was out of the question so we accepted the fact that her condition was terminal.

After much consideration we finally opted for palliative care. Anyway, she had been in and out of hospitals for three weeks and she wanted to be taken home.

We were then referred to the AsPaC Home Care programme. They loaned us all equipment that was needed (at no charge) and in a matter of days her room was equipped with all the necessities to make her comfortable.

Being at home definitely had advantages. She was in her own room, which made her feel more secure and we could cook her favourite dishes in an attempt to boost her failing appetite.

We also contacted her siblings, nephews and nieces (some from afar) and she had numerous visitors. All her children and 7 grand-children and great grandchild had the opportunity to spend some quality time with her too. The family pet poddle, Cookie, acted like her body guard - checking out all visitors before allowing them access into her room.

In the five weeks before she passed away, it gave all those who mattered to her enough time to say their goodbyes.

In the last few days of her life she needed 24 hour care and we were taught and guided by AsPaC's medical team how to deliver this professional care.

We are very grateful to Dr Lalitha and nurse Emelda from AsPaC - they taught us how to administer morphine, insert enemas, set up the drip etc. They also visited us everyday during the final two weeks and gave us strong moral and emotional support.

My mother-in-law passed away peacefully without a struggle. While we grieve, we also want to rejoice that she had a rich and beautiful life on this earth.

Extracted from Newsletter Vol. 1
July - December 2015

Aspac - Assisi Palliative Care

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