The occupation of seafaring came with its challenges, and one such example mentioned by Foo is having to be away from the family for long periods of time. However, even with all the training that he received to manage the responsibilities that came with the job, nothing could have prepared Foo for the two battles against cancer that he would be struck with while working as a seafarer.

Two-time Cancer Survivor

Foo is a two-time survivor of colorectal cancer and bladder cancer. He was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 1995 when he was working as an engineer on board ships belonging to a Singapore shipping company. When the news came, the company was gracious enough to allow Foo to take a year off to recover and receive treatment while reassuring him of an employment spot when he returns from therapy. The colorectal cancer unfortunately caused him to be reliant on a stoma bag as a substitute for his colon functions. Such news would have dashed the hopes of many to lead a normal life, let alone work on board ships, but Foo’s resilience and optimism shone through. He returned back to sea as an engineer, integrating a new lifestyle into his everyday routine.

Ten years later, in 2005, Foo once again received disheartening news—he had contracted bladder cancer. “When I found out that I was diagnosed with the second cancer, I was disappointed and worried about whether I can still work after this. However, when I thought about my family, I did not want my wife and children to have a difficult time, and I was determined to live because of them.” He received treatment for a second time while taking some time off his work to get better. The impact was similar to his previous cancer encounter, rendering him reliant on a second stoma bag in replacement of his bladder functions.

At this point, most people would scoff at the thought of returning to a life of normalcy or going back to work while having to rely on two stoma bags. Foo’s outlook and determination to move ahead were stronger because of his family, and soon after his recovery, he returned to work on board ships on shorter-term shifts at the Singapore Port. When asked about the stoma bags now, Foo says, “I am so used to it now. It is just like my shirt—if it is dirty, I just change it.”

Stoma Ambassador

Having given more than 35 years to the sea, Foo has dedicated his retirement life to helping others who are walking the same journey. Foo’s doctor in 2014 observed that Foo had integrated two stoma bags into his daily routine and managed to live unhindered by something that many would deem burdensome. He approached Foo to ask if he was willing to be a volunteer to share his stories and journey to encourage other cancer victims.