23 patients recognised for courage while facing illnesses

SINGAPORE — Twenty-three patients and nine caregivers were awarded the Inspirational Patient and Caregiver Award this afternoon (March 31) held at the Singapore General Hospital.

And being recognised for the first time are patients who have improved the lives of fellow patients through volunteerism, and patients who selflessly volunteered for clinical trials and research studies to bring about better treatment options for other patients.

Among the patients who volunteered for studies is glaucoma patient Deans Paul, 83, who has been a patient with the Singapore National Eye Centre for the past 22 years. He participated in a successful research study that looked into developing a new method to deliver anti-glaucoma medication.

Also receiving an award today was 17-year-old Lan Linghan, who contracted lupus when she was 14 years old. She is now part of the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital rheumatology support group and a volunteer at Club Rainbow and regularly shares her story with other patients, hoping to help and inspire them.

Receiving caregivers awards were Mr Michael Koh, 73, and Mdm Tan Swee Eng, 67, who cared for their late spouses. Despite the hardships that they faced, they continued on, determined to care for their loved ones.

“This event is really about a celebration of hope, resillience, and the generosity of spirit.” said Mrs Tan-Huang Shuo Mei, Singhealth Group Director of Communications and Service Quality, at the ceremony.