In a totally random note, I read in the news how the Singapore Dream Team(you youngsters out there who had never been thru MY era, you would barely understood the national pride.. fine, I know I not Singaporean, but…) are going to have a charity kick off to raise fund for Charmaine.

THE plight of a four year old moved him so much that he decided to do something about it.

TOGETHER AGAIN: Former national football stars (from left) Aide Iskandar, Abbas Saad and Fandi Ahmad. PICTURE: EZREEN TAIB

And what better way to help raise funds than to get his former Malaysia Cup kakis back together for a charity match?

With a couple of phone calls, former Singapore international Rafi Ali rounded up former Singapore greats, including the Republic’s favourite footballing son Fandi Ahmad, the ‘dazzler’ V Sundramoorthy, hearthrob Abbas Saad and the ‘man with six lungs’, Malek Awab, for a game against the media and celebrities this Sunday at the Tampines Stadium.

Known as the ‘Dream Team’ in the 1990s, the Malaysia Cup veterans made history by being the last Singapore team to win the Malaysia Cup in 1994.

And now, 14 years later, they are reuniting for a very different cause – to raise money for 4-year-old cancer patient Charmaine Lim, who was featured in The New Paper on 13 Jun.

According to her NUH medical report, she has only a 20 per cent chance of surviving. Her mother, Ms Cynthia Lim, 29, hopes to send her for a special treatment in the US which might double her chances of surviving, to 40 or 50 per cent.

But this treatment, which costs at least US$350,000 (slightly over $500,000), is too expensive for Ms Lim, a divorcee who quit her project management job to look after her daughter.

I had the Dream Team CD somewhere! I have a massive collection of their old newspaper clippings which I amassed till I was 12.

I used to have a huge crush on Fandi Ahmad! And a certain Lee Man Hon(Okay, I am embarrassed by my choice of men giggles).

And and and! This match is going to be featuring Fandi Ahmad, Rafi Ali, Malek Awab, Abbas Saad, Jang Jung, V Sundramoorthy, David Lee, Nazri Nasir, Syed Faruk, Samawira Basri, TRamoo, Aide Iskandar, Shari Rahim, super-sub Steven Tan, and own-goal king ladies’ killer Lim Tong Hai.

Jang Jung too?!

The ticket is priced at $10 ONLY!

When: Sunday, 28 Jun. Kick-off at 5pm

Where: Tampines Stadium

But not forgetting the important reason why they are doing this.

Little Charmaine needs the momey to increase her chance of survival. And those who have children, you will understand how you will do ANYTHING to fight for a chance for your beloved. Not forgetting Charmaine’s mum is doing it all alone. Her husband walked out on her when she was 7 months pregnant with her 2nd child for a good friend of hers.

I think I am just onto emotional overload these days. I read the reference letter from brave little Charmaine’s pediatrician and had to keep the tears in check.

Knowing how some of you guys had helped me through the 9 months when Minibean spawned within me, rent-free, I might add(tsk, that freeloader!),  I know how it just takes a little, to make a big difference.

For those who had shown me the same love, emotionally support, and monetary help back then, despite that I might be just a mere stranger… I believe, that is the very hope and love that keep all of us alive, and should always be passed on.

There is always someone out there who goes through more than we do, more than we can ever imagine.

This space had shown me a lot of big hearts around.

Be it be a prayer.

Be it be a sum of donation.

Be it be other forms of fundraising..

Be it be watching the match and meet the legendary veterans..

.. It always means a lot to keep someone’s hope, and love alive.

Linger the kiss on your child tonight, hug your child tight. I wish Minibean is around so I can tell her how much Mummy loves her. I thank God for her, and will pray for well-being.

Cynthia, Charmaine and Jase, and the prayer is for you guys too. Hang in there, and fight on strong, don’t give up.

Be well.