Serangoon TCM Centre: 
Twice a day, no matter how busy her shift is, Mary Jane reaches for her phone. On the other end of the screen are the three children she left behind in the Philippines, the reason she came to Singapore.
This Mother’s Day, we honour one of our Staff Nurses whose quiet strength reminds us that care often begins long before a nurse reaches the ward.
Originally from Pangasinan in the Philippines, Mary Jane made the difficult decision to leave home and come to Singapore in November 2023 in search of a better future for her family. A trained nurse, she is now the sole breadwinner for her three children: a 16-year-old daughter, a nine-year-old daughter, and her youngest, a four-year-old son.
Although thousands of kilometres separate them, motherhood remains at the centre of her life. Every day, she video calls her children twice, checking in on school, meals and daily moments. Between shifts, she sends messages and voice notes to stay connected. Back home, her husband cares for the children while she works tirelessly in Singapore.
Earlier this year, her family faced an unexpected challenge when her son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1.
Before the diagnosis, he often struggled to express himself, becoming frustrated and overwhelmed. Today, he attends occupational therapy and a special education school, where he is gradually making progress.
Receiving the diagnosis while being away from home was one of the most difficult moments of her life.
“I remember crying quietly during my shifts after hearing the news,” she shared.
While her husband initially struggled to accept the diagnosis, the family slowly came together to seek the support their son needed. Although therapy sessions place an additional financial burden on the family, Mary Jane remains determined to provide him with every opportunity to thrive. “There are days when I feel exhausted, but I remind myself that I need to stay strong for my children,” she shared.
Being away also means missing many precious moments. Birthdays, school examinations and her daughters’ Frisbee competitions often take place while she is working in Singapore. Yet she makes every effort to remain present, celebrating their achievements and milestones from afar.
When possible, she plans her annual leave around important family events such as Graduation Day and Recognition Day. She returns home twice a year, often surprising her children. Their emotional reunions are among the moments she treasures most.
Despite the challenges, it is the small moments that keep her going.
“When my children say ‘I love you, Mama’ or ‘I miss you, Mama’, all the sacrifices feel worth it.”
Today, she proudly embraces her son for who he is and has found encouragement through an online Autism Moms Support Group. While she hopes to return permanently to the Philippines in the coming years, she continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, both as a mother and as a nurse.
Though oceans separate them, her children remain at the heart of every shift she works and every sacrifice she makes. For Mary Jane, motherhood is not measured by distance, but by the love, strength and hope she carries with her each day.
