Yishun carrot cake hawker, 62, with Stage 4 colon cancer, continued to work during chemo treatment

A 62-year-old Yishun hawker battling Stage 4 colon cancer continued to exercise and show up for work each day while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

The resilience of the Hai Nan Zai stall hawker, who operates out of Chong Pang Market and Food Centre, was highlighted by K Shanmugam, who is a Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC.

The stall, awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2021, serves char kway teow, oyster omelette, as well as its signature carrot cake, and is patronised by the Law and Home Affairs Minister.

Surnamed Teo, the hawker has been working at Hai Nan Zai for the past five years.

Diagnosed at end 2024

He was diagnosed with cancer at the end of 2024, according to 8world.

He initially visited the hospital for a bacterial infection that made him unable to walk, but an examination revealed that he had Stage 3 intestinal cancer.

Working through treatment

Following his diagnosis, Teo was hospitalised for two months and was unable to move.

However, he refused to have surgery against the doctors' advice, and chose to get radiotherapy and chemotherapy instead.

"I have a strong will," he told 8world in an interview. "I always believed and said, 'I will be fine, I will be fine, I don't need surgery.'"

Fortunately, the radiotherapy and chemotherapy did not cause major side effects, such as a lose of appetite or hair loss.

In fact, Teo felt that his condition was good, and continued to work as usual, from 6am to 2pm.

As an old habit, he would get up at around 1am, and go to a park to exercise.

This routine of going to bed early and waking up early, while exercising regularly, made him feel full of energy, and not feel like a sick person, he said.

At the same time, he made changes to his lifestyle by becoming more careful with his diet, smoking less, and quitting a 40-year drinking habit.

After over 20 rounds of radiotherapy and six rounds of chemotherapy, Teo is currently in remission, and only needs to go for regular check-ups.

Inspiring

Patrons of the stall only found out Teo was sick after his son-in-law shared about it on social media, according to 8world.

When they expressed their concern and encouraged Teo to stay strong, Teo replied that he was fine and healthy.

On Nov. 8, Shanmugam visited Teo at the stall and learnt that he had completed chemotherapy.

Calling Teo and his story "inspiring", the minister wished him a full recovery in his Facebook post.

He also offered to help Teo if he had any issues, Teo told 8world.

Despite his strong exterior, Teo admitted that he initially felt very pessimistic after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Only later after he came to terms with ageing and death as part of life, did he faced his illness with more optimism.

To people going through cancer or other diseases, he encouraged them to keep an active life and positive mindset, get rid of bad habits, and do good to others.

Top images from Shanmugam's Facebook