Main image via The Straits Times
Singapore’s Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) results were recently released but sadly it came too late for one student who passed away from cancer.
A 12-year-old Singaporean boy named Raphael Lee passed away on 13th November having lost his battle with bone cancer, and his parents had a bittersweet moment when they collected his PSLE results on his behalf.
Raphael was the only child to Mr William Lee and Mrs Winnie Lee and underwent operations in April and May after the cancer spread to his lungs.
His parents tried to talk him out of taking his PSLE this year, but he was determined to take the exams.
"We tried to talk him into deferring his PSLE to next year, to give his body time to recuperate,” Mrs Lee said according to The Straits Times.
"But he wanted to do it this year because he did not want to have to take it in a new environment and in a new class."
Raphael was diagnosed with bone cancer in his left arm in 2016 and underwent cryotherapy, but unfortunately had to amputate his arm after another swelling was found near his left wrist.
But another tumour was discovered on his right collarbone and later spread to his lungs, and unfortunately the 12-year-old passed away due to complications from surgery after a long battle with cancer.
"No matter how tired and sickly he was, he wanted to go back to school because he enjoyed it, and loved spending time with his friends,” said Mrs Lee.
"We expected his lifespan would be shortened, but we didn't know death would come so soon,” Raphael’s father said.
"We told him that our focus was not on his studies but on his health. We would tell him 'Just do your best, there is no stress' but he wanted to prove himself.”
Mr Lee revealed that he too was diagnosed with Stage 2 colon cancer in August and Raphael was worried that he may not know how to deal with the treatment.
"He told his mum, 'Why does Papa have to get cancer? Why not let me have it in his place, since I'm more experienced and have gone through chemotherapy before?'
"I was so touched by this. I told him not to be silly. I said, 'It's so easy to tell you to be brave and strong, now it is time for me to lead by example and show you I can do it too.'"
Raphael’s story has touched the hearts of many people online, praising him for his bravery and hoping that he can finally find peace and rest in a better place now.
Rest in peace, Raphael Lee.
Info via The Straits Times
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