MS patients take part in a cupcake decorating event organized by MS Care volunteers.
Contributed By Nathalie Chen
For many of the MS patients, a seemingly simple task of decorating a cupcake may prove to be a challenge. PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY HARVEST COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSOCIATION
In their latest quarterly event themed Friendsweet Delights, MS Care saw a turnout of 16 volunteers and 27 clients and family members coming together to foster friendship and participate in meaningful activities. The event provided the opportunity for the volunteers to meet and mingle with the MS Care clients and their families.
Started in 2004, MS Care is an outreach service of City Harvest Community Services Association providing emotional and physical support to those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. Besides providing moral support and a listening ear to MS patients, MS Care’s activities and programs include a 24-hour help hotline for patients, regular visitations, a grocery distribution program, counseling and recreational activities.
CUPCAKE DECORATION
On March 19, one of such activities took place at the Naked Fish Shoppe at the Grassroots Club which saw MS Care clients and volunteers bonding over lunch. Attendees were treated to a cupcake decoration demonstration by a pâtissière and thereafter, participated in a hands-on cupcake decoration session in small groups.
Each group got to try out different cupcake decorations, ranging from garden-themed decorations to teddy bear and floral designs, using marzipan—a confection consisting primarily of sugar and almond meal.
For many of the clients, it was their first time decorating cupcakes and handling marzipan. There was a strong sense of satisfaction and pride after having completed their own “masterpieces.”
MS Care client, Vera Kaur, a provision shop assistant in her 40s, who has been with the group since 2008, felt that the event came with a creative twist. Sharing that she always looks forward to attending MS Care events, she said, “By organizing events such as these, it is actually very encouraging for us MS patients. It gives us the impetus to strive and not be defeated by this illness. It feels good to know that there is somebody who cares for you.”
She also added, “The MS Care volunteers encourage us to make use of our hands to do things, such as the cupcake decoration today. I have tremors in my hands and was initially hesitant to take part because you need to have steady hands for such delicate work. Thanks to the volunteers who kept encouraging me, saying, ‘C’mon Vera, you can do it!’ When I finally started, I couldn’t believe that I could complete it. Upon completion, I was really amazed and proud of myself. Decorating cupcakes might be a simple task for many but for me, completing it makes me believe that if there is a will, there is a way.”
For MS volunteer, Sarah Tan who is in customer services, she felt that the cupcake decoration idea was an innovative one. “Many of the clients really enjoyed themselves making the dough and designs.” For her, the highlight was making the cupcakes with the clients. “There is more interaction with them and you can see the smiles on their faces when they completed their design.”
An MS Care Client Gives Thanks
I always look forward to MS Care gatherings.
The quarterly gatherings organized by the volunteers have provided a valuable outlet for patients, allowing us to share our woes, fears and frustrations with one another. More importantly, it enables us to encourage and support each other through our battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
It is comforting to be with people who can identify with the problems you are facing. Sometimes we even exchange ideas on different ways to manage the inconveniences we encounter in our daily lives.
Thanks to all volunteers who have sacrificed their time in planning for the MS Care events despite their busy schedules. I believe the amount of hard work they have put in is far more than what I can imagined.
You guys are doing a terrific job, MS Care volunteers!
Tan Cheng Nah
MS Care client
