CBSS was officially launched as a charitable society at the NKF Centre Auditorium on 30 March 2005.  It was a beautiful evening of song and poetry, hosted by actress/producer Tan Kheng Hua.  Recording artiste Jessica Soo opened the ceremony with an emotional rendition of Mary Black’s No Frontiers,  “… Heaven knows no frontiers, And I've seen heaven in your eyes.”  Tan Kheng Hua read Amy Lowell’s poem, Petals.  The last line of the poem,  “…The flower fared forth, though its fragrance still stays…” struck a chord with everyone who had given much support to found a society focused on remembering loved ones who remained dearly in their hearts.

 

Present at the launch were guest of honour Dr Amy Khor (Mayor SW District and Member of Parliament for Hong Kah GRC), Ms Jenni Thomas (Founder & President of CBT), Dr Gerard Chuah (Chairman of the NKF Children’s Medical Fund), Dr Lim Sok Bee (Senior Consultant, Neonatal Unit KK Women’s And Children’s Hospital) and Mrs Sonya Szpojnarowicz (President of CBSS).  Among the 120 guests were healthcare workers, parents and members of the press.  The event was also the launch of the book Farewell, My Child.

 

At the launch, Dr Gerard Chuah announced NKF’s support of 2 scholarships worth $20,000 each on bereavement support and pledged NKF’s continued support to CBSS. Dr Lim Sok Bee reiterated KKH’s partnership with CBSS in encouraging best practice in bereavement support among healthcare workers in Singapore.  Jenni Thomas expressed her joy in seeing CBSS coming to fruition within a short time.  Sonya Szpojnarowicz summed it all up with her thanks and gratitude to everyone connected to bringing CBSS to life, and to the children who had enriched our lives so deeply.

 

The book cover was officially unveiled by the VIP party to mark the launch of CBSS.  Jessica Soo gently closed the evening with the Beatles song In My Life.