From Survivor to Volunteer — Giving Back With Heart

At 24, Calista Tan has already lived through what many heart patients spend a lifetime managing. Born with a congenital heart condition, she has undergone multiple surgeries and has spent much of her childhood in hospitals. That reality shaped her worldview — instilling empathy, resilience and a personal mission to give back to others facing similar challenges.

After returning from the U.S., where she pursued her studies and worked as a marketing executive, Calista is home with more than just professional experience — she is convinced she could contribute meaningfully to the community. Her search for a cause aligned with her journey has led her to the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF).

Volunteering at SHF is not accidental. It is intentional. For Calista, this is not about checking a box — it is about using her life experience to support those navigating similar paths. One of her first engagements was at a community event at Punggol atrium. She helped distribute goodie bags and guide participants — mostly seniors — through various health activities. The role was simple, but the impact wasn’t. Seeing the gratitude on their faces reminded her why community-based care matters.

Calista is also inspired and motivated by SHF’s strong sense of continuity. SHF’s Heart Wellness Centres offer a stable, ongoing platform. Patients can exercise, attend education talks and connect with others—all under one roof. That integrated model, she believes, provides not just medical support but also emotional and mental reinforcement.

Another aspect that impresses is SHF’s commitment to education. Volunteers aren’t just given tasks — they are trained to understand the realities of heart disease. That approach equips them to interact with patients more thoughtfully, and with an understanding of the struggles beneath the surface.

Calista also reflects on a wider societal point. In a country like Singapore, where many have access to time and resources, she believes there is room and responsibility for more people to step up. “Not all heart patients have strong family networks or long-term support,” she explains. “Sometimes, simply being there with a listening ear or a guiding hand could make a difference.”

Her message is clear: volunteers do not have to be medical professionals to contribute meaningfully. Emotional support, community engagement and a steady presence could be just as vital as medication or therapy.

Step forward. Volunteer with SHF today: www.myheart.org.sg/volunteer.