Duchenne: Shalom's Lifelong Partner-in-Crime - a Column by Shalom Lim Ern Rong

Shalom is a University of Liverpool graduate, having completed an honors bachelor’s degree in criminology and security in July 2021. Born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and diagnosed at four months old, they are 26 years old and currently based in the Eastern part of Singapore. Their hope for their column is to advocate for the health and well-being of the muscular dystrophy community in Southeast Asia.

As I reflect on life with Duchenne MD, I feel vindicated

Two weeks ago, I stood on stage at the Fullerton Hotel Singapore to receive a Study U.K. Alumni Award for “exceptional efforts in driving inclusion and positive change in society.” The British high commissioner to Singapore handed me the award while my partner, Amanda, and my caregiver, Glenda, cheered me…

Kicking off fresh creative ventures through social media

Despite the significant health challenges I face as a person living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, I’ve come to realize that creativity can thrive in the most unexpected places. One such place is social media. My girlfriend, Amanda Yip, and I recently embarked on a short-term project with Blind…

When art and advocacy meet onstage

Last Saturday, I performed a monologue titled “Connection” at the Enabling Lives Festival here in Singapore. ART:DIS, a local nonprofit that uses the arts to support people with disabilities, organized the event as part of its BEYOND DIS:PLAY performing arts and theater mentorship program. The festival centered on a…

How I experienced inclusion (and didn’t) during my education

On Saturday, I presented at the Participation — Inclusion in Action Conference 2024, which was held in my home of Singapore for the first time. My physiotherapist at the National University Hospital, who’s also a disability and healthcare researcher and one of the event’s key organizers, invited me to…

A new beginning of shared purpose at Shalom Medcare

Since September, my life has moved in an exciting new direction, starting with becoming a marketing communications assistant at Shalom Medcare (SMC), a medical transport company here in Singapore. In case you’re wondering, yes, I realize it’s amusing that the company and I share the name “Shalom” — something…