Hospice volunteer who gives makeovers to dying patients shares biggest regret of their families
Seah Jun De
TNP
April 30, 2025
In a ward filled with the smell of disinfectant and the sound of monitoring equipment, Ms Zheng Xiufang picked up a brush and started applying make-up on a dying patient for their last family portrait.
Ms Zheng, 52, worked in the beauty and cosmetics industry in her younger years.
She had never thought that she would become a volunteer at HCA Hospice, spending 10 years applying what would be the final make-up for the patients.
Ms Zheng told Lianhe Zaobao she could not forget applying make-up on a patient who wanted to have their family photo shot at home but it had to be done in the ward due to the patient's circumstances.
"Sometimes patients need to wear oxygen masks, and I have to apply foundation as soon as they take it off and not cause too much disruption to their breathing," said Ms Zheng.
There are no bright colours in her make-up box, only subtle tones to add a touch of liveliness to the patient's pale face.
In the beginning, Ms Zheng had a hard time controlling her emotions and often felt sad when applying make-up on the patients.
Today, she has mastered the art of keeping calm as she goes about her work, having made peace with the impermanence of existence.
"Some families don't have the time to visit before the patient's death. This is always the biggest regret."
