At just 14 years old, Tan Yao Sern has shown resilience and compassion beyond his years. After spending over five years caring for his father, who was in a coma due to a brain aneurysm, Yao Sern channeled his grief into action to honor his father's memory.

His father's passing a year ago marked a painful milestone, but it also inspired Yao Sern to launch a heartfelt initiative: the Easing Life's Final Journey - Hospis Malaysia fundraiser. This effort was aimed at supporting Hospis Malaysia, a non-profit organization that provides free palliative care to patients with life-limiting illnesses.

Yao Serns campaign, hosted on the SimplyGiving platform, exceeded all expectations. Running from September 24 to November 25, the fundraiser garnered over RM62,000, far surpassing his initial target of RM25,000.

Yao Sern, a student at The British International School of Kuala Lumpur (BSKL), shared his motivation during a mock cheque presentation at his school's morning assembly.

"I know how hard it is to take care of patients like my father," he said, reflecting on his family's journey. "When I found out that Hospis Malaysia provides these services for free, helping people who cannot afford them, I was touched . That inspired me to start this fundraiser for them."

To raise funds and awareness, Yao Sern gave speeches and participated in a charity bazaar at his school. He also wrote heartfelt blog entries on the fundraising platform, sharing cherished memories of his father every two days.

"I wanted others to know about him and remind those who knew him of the great person he was," he said.

The blog entries, along with contributions from Yao Sern's 12-year-old sister Hui Ern, and a letter to their father from their mother Evelyn Boon, have been compiled into a book. The family plans to distribute the book to donors as a token of gratitude.

For Yao Sern, the initiative was as much about healing as it was about giving back. His mother, Evelyn, shared that writing regularly became a cathartic experience for her son.

"After writing more and more, I could see him feeling lighter," she said.

She also highlighted the challenges her son faced, juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and the emotional toll of grief.

"He has learned not just about healing himself but also about reaching out to others, which is not easy. He faced rejections and false hopes but has grown through these experiences," she added.

Hospis Malaysia strategy and communications director Tham Su Ming expressed the organization's gratitude for Yao Sern's efforts.

"The work we do with Yao Sern's funds will serve as a testament to his efforts and a tribute to his father's memory," she said.

BSKL principal Dr. Mike OConnor also commended Yao Sern for his strength and initiative.

"He turned a challenging situation into a way to help others and honor his father. It's an extraordinary achievement, and we're incredibly proud of him," he said.

Yao Sern's story is a testament to the power of resilience, empathy, and community. By transforming his grief into meaningful action, he not only honored his father but also provided hope and support for others facing similar struggles.

His fundraiser will enable Hospis Malaysia to continue offering essential care to those in need, ensuring that the legacy of his father's love and strength lives on in the lives of others.