Category: SurvivorsPage 3 of 4
Humans of Habitat Singapore | “Some of them are just so happy to have someone to talk to and open up about who they used to be. They feel so isolated because they might not have family members to carry on their memories for them, but I’m interested to hear, and I’m interested to learn.”
“If I have any message of hope, it’s that cancer is not a death sentence. You have to stay strong and fight. Through overcoming heart surgery and cancer, I grew stronger than ever. You have to believe that there is life after cancer.”
People of Legends | “What’s most important is that you never give up on yourself…You’re limited by yourself; nobody decides what your limitations are for you.”
People of Legends | “I want my dad to know that I really respect him a lot. We know it hasn’t been easy for him being a dad and a mom at the same time.”
People of Legends | “Compassion is important because it helps me connect with people. I was at my worst when I felt like people didn’t understand me, so now I want to feel what others feel.”
I’m okay. I was just glad she didn’t have to suffer anymore, but I do miss her. I miss everything about her. What can I say? It was love. I still wear our wedding ring to this very day.
All I ever wanted was for him to be proud of me. As a child I just wanted his approval and felt like I never got it because I was in lots of trouble. But he’s released me from some stuff I hadn’t really resolved from my childhood.
There were days where I felt stressed, depressed and really broken down. Why was I still being labelled? Why were they still thinking of me in a negative way? That was a real struggle for me, but I used their words as inspiration to turn over a new leaf.
But I want women out there to know I understand what you’re going through, and I just hope to be an inspiration to you. Just stay positive, get the necessary treatment, and everything will be alright. It’s not the end of the world. There is life after cancer.
Now that I’m out, my daughter and I are able to really build our relationship. Our first meeting was very weird and awkward, of course. We didn’t really talk much. I’d speak a word and she’d reply with a single word. But I’m happy that she is slowly starting to open up more…
Looking back upon my life, what I’ve really learnt is the importance of resilience; persist no matter what. I always ask my kids, ‘Do you remember what we went through? Never forget that. Because that period made you so much stronger.’
Yes, I feel blessed right now. My husband and I are working hard to create a good life for our family. Whenever I’m tempted to do anything bad, I just look at my children’s faces as they remind me of what’s important. I’ve lost my son; I don’t want to lose anything else.
But the kids at the school don’t label me. They’re only 14, 15 and 16-years old, but not as judgemental as the adults. Instead of pushing me away, they welcomed me into their circles. It’s an experience I cannot find anywhere else, and I’m very happy to be here.
Everyone makes mistakes, don’t they? But that’s all in the past. These ex-convicts have paid for their mistakes and are on the road to recovery, so why can’t they be treated fairly?
I think people with records don’t like to be persuaded or told what to do. Many of them are very proud and sensitive by nature. I know this because I’m like that too. The truth of the matter is, they just need someone whom they can trust and talk to…
Before she flies off to Kuala Lumpur to compete at the 2017 ASEAN Para Games, we catch up with the national swimmer to talk about her journey as a Paralympian, and using her voice to champion causes she feels passionately about.
When I was bullied, badminton pulled me out of my gloomy days. My teammates never treated me differently. They admired me for playing despite my disability…
They say the sky’s the limit, but my physical limits had already been set for me when I was born with this body. My parents laid down all the facts of my condition, and I took it positively…
The more I practised archery, the better I got at it. Fun eventually turned into passion, and passion quickly became an obsession to challenge myself and break my limits…
I also wanted to prove that people with disability can achieve a lot in life. When people look at me, they don’t believe I powerlift, but with the support of my coaches and teammates, I can do it…