Cancer is a fight many know; some from second-hand experience, others, more intimately. Either way, it leaves everlasting effects in people lives. Especially when the person passes from it.
Local singer-songwriter Sim Miaw Jyi (沈妙極) passed away on 4th October. The 32-year-old artist had been battling cancer, specifically lymphoma, before her passing.
Miaw Jyi had been a budding artist under Jumuro Music (巨木音乐) before her passing. The 32-year-old had fallen in love with music when she was younger, despite having a tone disorder. Although she ended up studying aircraft engineering in the UK, she did not give up on music. In fact, it became her solace later at her lowest point in life.
In July 2019, Miaw Jyi released her first solo EP “为你变完美 (Perfect For You)”. However, five months later, she shared that she had actually been unwell since 2018. Still, she persisted in creating music, even channelling her struggles with her illness into her songs.
Miaw Jyi admitted that she had wanted to give up on life at one point. “Now that I am sick, the pain that my body suffers is so painful, (it feels like) you can’t breathe,” she shared. But, she added that through her suffering, she also found new appreciation for life, hence her song, “我想勇敢活着 (I Want To Live Bravely)”.
However, in February 2022, she was officially diagnosed with lymphoma. Most of her social media posts were then dedicated to living with cancer and for a while, it seemed she was doing well. In fact, her last post documented the time she spent with her family during the recent Mid-Autumn Festival. “I’m grateful for this Mid-Autumn Festival and I hope it will be the same next year,” she stated cheerfully. Unfortunately, it was not to be.
On 9th October, her younger sister, Sim Ler announced heart-breaking news. “Dear friends and family, my beloved sister, Ms Miaw Jyi had passed on 4th Oct 2022 peacefully at home,” Sim Ler wrote. “On behalf of my family, I would like to thank you for all the love and prayers, and all that you have done for her and our family. Thank you.”
Our hearts go out to the family members mourning her passing. We offer our condolences and hope they will find peace in her passing.
Sources: China Press, Facebook
