Welcome to 55 Stories of Resilience, celebrating our 55th anniversary by sharing powerful stories of courage in the face of heart disease. These stories illuminate the strength within each of us, the vital support of loved ones and the resilience that binds our community. Let them inspire hope and remind us that although the road may be tough, we will walk it together.
Since 2017, Novartis has partnered with SHF to raise awareness and empower communities on heart health. From launching the Heart Failure Patient Support Pack to hosting public forums and tackling high blood cholesterol through the Beat the Block campaign, our partnership is dedicated to helping our community build their own resilient hearts.
"We are proud to work with SHF on initiatives that highlight high blood cholesterol as a key modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and promote preventive care. Our shared efforts aim to improve public health, support healthier communities, and foster a deeper understanding of heart health."
- Ms Poh Hwee Tee, Country President, Novartis Singapore and Asian Emerging Markets
While at work, Mr Lenard Kek felt severe pain in his chest and back, without realising that it was the early onset of a heart attack. Luckily, his colleague noticed his discomfort and when the pain intensified, he called an ambulance. At the A&E, doctors performed a critical stent procedure that saved Mr Kek's life. Determined to improve his heart health, Mr Kek now takes daily walks, attends cardiac rehabiliation, and prioritises his work-life balance to spend more precious time with his mother. To better support patients like him, SHF partnered with the Singapore Cardiac Society and the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, to release a whitepaper in early 2024 that recommended further measures in secondary cardiovascular prevention.
- Mr Lenard Kek, Heart Wellness Centre Client
With his CPR training, Mr Liu Siyi has been volunteering with the SHF to teach members of the public essential lifesaving skills, empowering them to respond effectively in emergencies. Working closely with the community has given him the chance to make a real difference, empowering him to see the incredible effect of even small acts of kindness.
"Volunteering made me realise that even the simplest efforts, like learning CPR or encouraging someone to be prepared, can ultimately save lives. One of my fondest memories was meeting an elderly woman who proudly showed me how she used her MyResponder app to assist others in need. Her selflessness and willingness to step up for strangers left a deep impression on me. It was a powerful reminder that kindness and a sense of duty to our community exist in people of all ages."
- Mr Liu Siyi, SHF Volunteer
Mr Austin McAnena was out for a run when sudden cardiac arrest hit. But thanks to a bystander performing CPR until help arrived, he’s here to share his story. This experience alerted him to the need to learn CPR+AED skills, saying, “when sudden cardiac arrest happens, it's lethal. So it's always best to be prepared. It takes 5 minutes to learn, and you never know when it could save a life.”
- Mr Austin McAnena, Cardiac Arrest Survivor
Recognising the symptoms of a heart attack from her father’s experience, Ms Agnes Tay leapt into action when her mother, Mdm Low Chu Siew, suffered one while on vacation. Determined to improve their heart health, Ms Tay and Mdm Low now regularly attend sessions at SHF's Heart Wellness Centre.
- Mdm Low Chu Siew and Ms Agnes Tay, HWC Clients
Through guided exercise and sessions with physiotherapists, Mdm Low's strength improves every day. At 80, she is now able to walk unaided over short distances.
Together, they are proving that consistency and perserverance are key to strong and resilient hearts. "When she goes out on her own in the morning, we feel more confident knowing she can cross the road safely and effortlessly—all thanks to her rehabilitation at HWC."
When Ms Rosalind experienced her first cardiac arrest at age 74, her community leapt into action to provide her immediate care. Their swift reaction and CPR+AED skills granted her the rare opportunity to embrace a new, heart resilient future.
"It happened suddenly, and I experienced no pre-symptoms. I collapsed during church, and praise the Lord that there were retired nurses who could do CPR. There were three of them, and they had to take turns because they were retired and elderly."
- Ms Rosalind, Cardiac Arrest Survivor
Mr Daniel Teo has been an avid supporter of SHF’s activities and our mission promote healthy and resilient hearts. With his generous donations and sponsorship, we are able to continue providing high-quality care to all our beneficiaries and build a heart-healthy nation.
“I was proud to support the SHF Charity Golf Tournament in 2016 and support SHF’s mission to promote resilient hearts.”
- Mr Daniel Teo, Partner
13 years ago, Ms Cityruth Cocoanna Christian was diagnosed with heart and kidney failure. Although initially given only five years left to live, her determination exceeded expectations. With resilience and perseverance, Ms Christian gave her all to be able to walk again and pursue a healthier, happier lifestyle.
- Ms Cityruth Cocoanna Christian, Heart Support Fund Beneficiary
With the help of the Heart Support Fund, Ms Christian is now able to have a caregiver for both herself and her husband, who suffers from schizophrenia, as well as save up for bible school to bring hope to her fellow patients at the dialysis centre.
"Even if you have a lot of difficulty in your life, there will always be a day with sunshine. If you can wake up the next day, it is a new day. Do something that you like," Ms Christian shared.
After suffering a heart attack, Mr Tan didn't recognise the warning signs and went about his day as usual. It wasn't until the next morning that he sought medical attention.
- Mr Tan, Heart Wellness Centre Client
Fortunately, the doctors discovered that the heart attack had not affected a main artery and he was able to recover. Grateful for his second chance, Mr Tan and his wife decided to attend a CPR+AED certification course to learn how to respond to emergencies.
The hands-on training and clear instructions made a lasting impact on the couple. Now, Mr Tan strongly encourages others to get trained, as he believes that even basic knowledge could save lives.
"As long as we know what to do, we can help others," shares Mr Tan.
After Mr Soh Cheh Long collapsed twice, he was diagnosed with three severe arterial blockages. With medical intervention and encouragements, he joined the cardiac rehabilitation programme at the Singapore Heart Foundation's Heart Wellness Centre (HWC) to strengthen his heart. Initially hesitant, Mr Soh soon became a firm believer in the power of resilience and perseverance in achieving better health.
- Mr Soh Cheh Long, Heart Wellness Centre Client
"It was thanks to the guidance from the physiotherapists and encouragement from their staff that kept me going. I now visit the HWC once a week, where they continue to guide me on using the machines and advise me on what's best for my heart. I'm very grateful for their support in my recovery," Mr Soh expressed.
Since joining the cardiac rehabilitation programme, Mr Soh has found more than just strength—he has discovered a community of resilient individuals, all determined to bounce back from their cardiac events.
At 72, Mr Seah See Hock lives with pulmonary hypertension, a rare condition that affects his breathing so severely that he is dependent on an oxygen concentrator almost around the clock. When his device malfunctioned, leaving him struggling to manage repairs, the Singapore Heart Foundation’s Heart Support Fund stepped in, providing critical financial aid to restore the machine.
- Mr Seah See Hock, Heart Support Fund Beneficiary
Despite his challenges, Mr Seah remains optimistic. He commutes to his part-time job on his motorised scooter and finds joy in the simple moments of life—like feeling the warmth of the sun. Every evening, he returns to his concentrator, cherishing each breath and every passing moment.
"Time flies when you treasure life," he says, embodying resilience in the face of adversity.
While repairing a car, Mr Quek Chun Seng suddenly felt breathless and broke out in a cold sweat. Despite the pain, he drove to the polyclinic—only to learn that he had already suffered a heart attack. He was rushed to hospital for immediate surgery, a moment that made him realise the seriousness of his condition.
- Mr Quek Chun Seng, Heart Wellness Centre Client
Determined to regain his strength, Mr Chun Seng joined the Heart Wellness Centre’s rehabilitation programme, attending sessions two to three times a week. Through consistent exercise, he built resilience and regained his strength.
Now, he can climb stairs without feeling breathless. Encouraged by his progress, he urges others to stay active as he believes that exercise is the key to recovery and a resilient heart.
"By collaborating with the Singapore Heart Foundation, we can create a positive impact on heart healthcare in Singapore. We leverage our expertise and the latest science and technology to deliver solutions that align with our purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Singapore, today and for generations to come."
- Mr Rajat Kumar Jain, Managing Director of Nestlé Singapore
After being diagnosed with a heart condition and undergoing multiple heart surgeries herself, Ms Calista Tan was inspired by her own experiences to help support others facing similar challenges. She joined the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) as a volunteer and participated in events like packing and distributing goodie bags to event participants.
She describes her experience as heartwarming and values the organisation's unique approach, including tailored resources like specialised gym routines for heart patients. Ms Calista emphasises the importance of educating volunteers about heart health and encourages more people to help those in need. For her, a resilient heart represents both physical and emotional strength in the face of adversity. As SHF celebrates its 55th anniversary, she hopes for increased awareness and community involvement.
- Ms Calista Tan, SHF Volunteer
Without warning, Mr Edward Poh suffered a cardiac arrest while playing badminton. Fortunately, his friends were trained in CPR, and one of them rushed to retrieve an AED. Dr Jason Chen, who happened to be nearby, also stepped in to resuscitate him, keeping his heart beating until the paramedics arrive. Their quick actions gave Mr Poh the best chance of survival.
Following his experience, Mr Poh emphasised two key takeaways:
✅ Prioritise your heart health: He encourages everyone to undergo angiograms to detect potential arterial blockages early.
✅ Be prepared: He strongly advocates for CPR and AED training, as every second counts in an emergency.
His story is a powerful reminder that timely help can make all the difference in saving lives.
- Mr Edward Poh, Cardiac Arrest Survivor
Driven by his passion to serve the community as a grassroots volunteer, Mr Patrick Cheong became a Community First Responder (CFR) in 2015. Since then, he has answered numerous emergency calls, playing a vital role in lifesaving efforts.
One of his proudest moments came in Jul 2023, when he successfully revived a cardiac arrest patient—a powerful reminder of the impact of being prepared.
Mr Cheong hopes to inspire more people to join the CFR community, ensuring that more individuals are equipped with lifesaving skills. He believes having a resilient heart means expecting the unexpected and facing every challenge one day at a time.
- Mr Patrick Cheong, Community First Responder
"Edwards Lifesciences Singapore began its collaboration with the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) in Nov 2012 with the 'A Walk in the Park' Family Day event. Since then, this valued partnership has only grown stronger, with the majority of employees actively supporting SHF's events."
"Together, we are committed to bringing essential heart health services, screenings and treatments to underserved communities. By bridging the gap in healthcare access, we ensure that more people receive the care they need."
- Ms Wendy Nicoson, VP and Plant General Manager, Edwards Lifesciences Singapore
Mrs Patricia De Souza's heart journey began 15 years ago with rising cholesterol levels. In late 2022, her condition worsened, leading to heart surgery. During her recovery, she discovered the Heart Wellness Centre (HWC) through a brochure at the National University Hospital.
Though never one for fitness, Mrs Patricia took a leap of faith, attending sessions twice a week. The warmth and support at the HWC motivated her to push forward, with personalised guidance from the physiotherapists and encouragement from fellow clients helping her to gain strength and self-confidence.
Determined to stay active for her family, Mrs Patricia set personal goals—one of which was completing the Colugo Trail at Rifle Range Nature Park. At 77, she achieved it, proving that resilience and perseverance can overcome any challenge.
- Ms Patricia De Souza, Heart Wellness Centre Client