MDAS gala reminds me why I advocate for my community
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore) celebrates its 25th anniversary
On April 25, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore), or MDAS, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a spectacular gala at Marina Bay Sands, an iconic hotel and convention center here in Singapore. The evening was filled with music, memories, and meaningful reunions.
The staff had adorned the room, which quickly filled with guests from various walks of life, with gray and white balloons. Another highlight was meeting a friend I hadn’t seen since I was a teenager — a powerful reminder of the connections that are formed through our shared journey with muscular dystrophy (MD).
I had the privilege of performing in a choir alongside fellow friends with MD. We sang “I Lived” by OneRepublic and a medley of “This Is Me,” “Fight Song,” and “The Climb.”
Standing on stage brought me back to 2002, when I recited “Reaching Out,” a poem I had written with my mother as a young boy, at MDAS’ inaugural fundraising gala. The poem expressed the anxiety of a child facing MD and transitioning to life in a wheelchair — a daunting change that marked the end of my childhood dreams of becoming a soccer player.
MDAS has come a long way
Celebrating MDAS’ 25th anniversary isn’t just about the years that have passed; it’s also about the lives the organization has touched and the hope that it has created. It’s a celebration of MDAS as it empowers us to continue our journey with hope and determination.
MDAS began in 2000 as a small support group. Thanks to dedicated people like the late neurologist Woon Chee Yee and co-founder Sherena Loh, it’s now a crucial resource for those affected by MD in Singapore.
My family was involved in the early years of MDAS, with my father serving as treasurer, my mother leading a caregiver support group, and my late brother, Isaac, and me contributing our paintings for art books that helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for the charity.
We also helped MDAS launch its first transport service, which has taken people to medical appointments and social outings, enhancing the independence and mobility of many Singaporeans with MD. This is just one of the many ways MDAS has made a tangible difference in our community.
A life of advocacy
Like me, Isaac had Duchenne MD. Watching him struggle inspired my parents to proactively transition me to a wheelchair, sparing me unnecessary falls and injuries. Although Isaac passed away in 2019, his legacy fuels my dedication to the MD community and MDAS.
Standing beside fellow survivors and friends at the gala, I felt a deep sense of belonging. MD is undeniably challenging, yet it brings people together, fostering empathy, connection, and unity. This sense of unity is not just for us but for everyone who supports us as well.
Because of MD, I’ve learned to appreciate every second that life offers and to become who I am meant to be: a patient, a fighter, and an advocate determined to make a difference in our community. For that, I remain grateful and proud to keep climbing, no matter the obstacle.
Note: Muscular Dystrophy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Muscular Dystrophy News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.
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