Miss Dominique Schell is a 19-year-old Swiss national who moved to Singapore from Switzerland in 2008. She is also a cancer survivor who is passionate about helping others with cancer beat the disease through positive thinking.
This young lady is hoping that US pop star Taylor Swift can be a part of this process during her Singapore tour, and has reached out to her via social media.
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According to a Straits Times report, Dominique was diagnosed with sarcoma -- a rare form of childhood cancer -- in her right leg when she was just 10 years old.
This young lady has managed to beat the disease, having been in remission for nine years. However, she "continues to go for check-ups at the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital every six months."
An inspirational youth ambassador
According to reports, Dominique has been with the Sarah-Grace Sarcoma Foundation (Kick Sarcoma) -- a non-profit organisation that raises awareness for sarcoma -- for the past three years as a youth ambassador.
She helps the organisation's cause by sharing her own story at events, and spreading hope and positivity that cancer can be beaten.
She reportedly visited the National University Hospital's (NUH) children's cancer ward last Friday as part of a new mentoring programme for kids between the ages of six and 15 who have sarcoma.
Since her visit, Dominique has posted an open letter to her idol and singing sensation Taylor Swift, inviting her to visit kids with cancer at NUH's children's cancer ward during her visit to Singapore.
Dominique writes:
"Though I'm sure you are one of the busiest bees in the world, I want to invite you to come and meet the children that have inspired so many.
"I can just imagine how big their smiles would be if they were to meet you. Whether they live another month, another year, another decade, you'll have been a glimpse of light during one of the darkest times of their lives. And for that, their families, as well as I, would be eternally grateful."
She mentions just how inspired she was after meeting the kids with cancer at NUH and recalls her own battle with the disease, saying:
"I underwent intense chemotherapy for nine months, lost my hair, stopped practising gymnastics and ballet, and moved into a children’s cancer ward back in Switzerland.
"Though I have a walking stick resting next to me, and some metal rods through my leg holding my bone together, I’m lucky to say that I am cancer-free."
Domique's post has been shared by thousands, and recieved over 8,000 likes. Here's her latest update:
"I've been contacted by Taylor's publicist offering two tickets for tonight. I'll therefore be taking one of the cancer kids who will represent all the others at the hospital. It doesn't look like we'll be meeting her, but let's hope she can offer some promotional gifts to all the other kids who were left behind. I'll keep you posted"
We sure hope those other kids get those gifts and we applaud Dominique's effort.
Dominique, we at theAsianparent are truly inspired by your story and your determination to bring hope to kids with cancer. You, young lady, are a true star... please continue to shine on!
Show your support to Dominique's cause and all young cancer victims by leaving a message of hope below.