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.
Ms Denise Ng, Senior Assistant Manager of the Heart Safe department at the Singapore Heart Foundation, was the only Asian women to receive The Citizen CPR Foundation's 40 Under 40 award in 2019. This prestigious recognition honours her dedication to strengthening the future of sudden cardiac arrest training, response and survival.
"I am very thankful to SHF for nominating me and deeply honoured to be the only Asian woman to receive the award. It is good to know that my efforts were not in vain, and it motivates me to work even harder to strengthen the future of CPR and AED. I knew nothing about CPR and AED before I joined SHF.
When my friend showed me the job posting, I thought it was a meaningful role where I could learn important lifesaving skills and share them with others. I have been with the Foundation since 2008 and have been working on the Heart Safe programme for 17 years. Our mission is to improve the out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest survival rates in Singapore by creating an environment for more effective use of CPR and AED in the community through various initiatives."
- Ms Denise Ng, SHF Senior Assistant Manager, HeartSafe
At 65, Mr Pang Kay Chiang embodies resilience and hope despite life’s challenges. Living alone in a one-room flat, he works tirelessly as a cleaner, even as severe heart disease reshapes his life. Diagnosed after years of fainting spells and high-stress work, he underwent multiple life-threatening surgeries, adapting to a new reality marked by breathlessness and weight loss.
Support from the Singapore Heart Foundation’s Heart Support Fund eased his financial burdens, allowing him to continue working. He is truly grateful for his mother’s care and the community’s generosity. His life’s journey reflects his perseverance and inspires others to seek help and find hope in adversity.
In December 2023, Mr Alvin Mercado experienced his first heart attack while waiting for his daughter’s medication at a clinic. Thankfully, he was in the right place for immediate care. After a stent was inserted into his heart, Mr Alvin thought he had recovered. Little did he expect that in July, a second scare would occur while he was grieving his deceased brother. This time, the doctors discovered three more blocked arteries, resulting in additional stents inserted.
Determined to improve, Mr Alvin joined the SHF's Heart Wellness Centre for rehabilitation. Through their tailored programme, he regained his stamina, improved his diet and found unwavering support from his family. Now, he remains focused on staying healthy for them.
"For me, the passion for dance comes from the heart. You know, for some people, just because their heart is weak, they can't really follow their passions. I recognise how much of a privilege it is for me to be able to do it myself because my heart is healthy. I also wanted to help others through my showcase to strengthen their hearts and encourage them to pursue their passions as well. Many of my relatives came to my recital from abroad, and my mother and I told them about the fundraising. It was also mentioned again throughout my recital to encourage the audience to donate.
When I raised over $1,000, I felt really ecstatic. I went to the Singapore Heart Foundation's (SHF) website and I saw the donation procedure. Just $10 can help someone, so knowing that the amount I raised would be able to help a lot of people made me really happy. Everyone has their own problems in life, but a lot of people don't really have the resources. By donating to SHF, they could teach a lot of other people stuff like CPR, which helps to save a lot of lives. If your money has the potential to save even one life, it's probably the noblest thing you can do.
- Ms N Miruthula, SHF Fundraiser
"I think everyone deserves a second chance in life, especially the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors. For the public, it's good to learn CPR skills, how to use the AED machine and try to step forward to help rather than be a bystander. Live happily, don't take things to heart and treat every day as a new day. Everything will be fine."
- Mr Alfred Leong, Cardiac Arrest Survivor
"Growing up, nutrition has always occupied a special place in my heart. As a Senior Dietitian at SHF’s Heart Wellness Centre, I mainly provide nutrition assessment, support, counselling and education to our cardiac clients, their families and their caregivers. Everyone has a unique story of resilience after their cardiac event. It has been a humbling experience as a dietitian to support my clients on their journey towards recovery."
- Ms Natalie Yeo, SHF Senior Dietitian
"I'm Mrs Elsie Foh, and I've been on the board of the Singapore Heart Foundation for 9 to 10 years. If you suffer from any cardiovascular disease, we are here to make sure that your heart beats soundly again. Keeping it resilient means putting in place all the heart-healthy programmes, prescriptions and eating healthy so that you can come up again. That's my take on Resilient Heart.
Well, congratulations to the Singapore Heart Foundation on its 55th anniversary. It is more than half a century of memories, of achievements, of milestones, and I definitely wish SHF more achievements, more success, more innovations, as well as to bring across and champion this heart health mission with new changes, adapting to new innovations. And of course, for the staff, a meaningful 55 years of achievements is a great inspiration to all in the charity sector."
- Mrs Elsie Foh, SHF Board Member
After experiencing chest and arm pains, Mr Krishnan Muthukumar was shocked when his simple checkup turned into an urgent angioplasty to address a critical heart blockage.
After his procedure, he joined the Heart Wellness Centre to help build his confidence and physical strength after his ordeal.
Through the expert care of SHF physiotherapists, Mr Krishnan regained his strength, improved his heart health and made new friends along the way.
- Mr Krishnan Muthukumar, Heart Wellness Centre Client
"Resilience isn't solely about physical endurance; it's about adapting and growing through challenges and finding new ways to cope and connect with others."
- Ms Diana Lau, SHF Committee Member
Mr Mokhtar Rohani, a heart surgery survivor, was diagnosed with a leaking mitral valve after years of regular check-ups. Following advice from his doctors, he chose surgery to repair the valve and underwent extensive physiotherapy at the National Heart Centre Singapore. After eight weeks, he was referred to the Heart Wellness Centre (HWC) for rehabilitation.
There, Mr Mokhtar's progress was carefully monitored through regular check-ups and personalised exercises, helping him regain his strength. Consistent participation and support from the qualified staff at the HWC have improved his quality of life. Mr Mokhtar encourages other survivors to attend rehabilitation and emphasises the importance of perseverance and ongoing support for a resilient heart.
- Mr Mokhtar Rohani, Heart Wellness Centre Client
After experiencing mild chest discomfort one evening, Mr Zafrullah discovered he was having a heart attack. Despite recent health improvements, he was shocked by the diagnosis. Following surgery, he was referred to the Heart Wellness Centre (HWC) for rehabilitation.
Attending weekly sessions, Mr Zafrullah monitored his progress and was supported by the HWC staff. His motivation to stay healthy and active, especially with golf and travelling, kept him committed. Under the guidance of the physiotherapists, he regained his confidence and fitness. For Mr Zafrullah, a resilient heart means embracing change, quitting unhealthy habits and prioritising his health to experience life fully.
- Mr Zafrullah, Heart Wellness Centre Client
"Terumo Asia Holdings is proud to work alongside the Singapore Heart Foundation. Together, we work to encourage preventive screening through the placement of Self-Help Blood Pressure Monitoring Kiosks, implement early intervention actions for at-risk patients as well as educate and raise cardiovascular disease awareness among members of the public. These initiatives work to help people take charge of their heart health with improved access to life-saving equipment and assistance."
- Ms Diana Chua, Associate Commercial Director for Singapore, Terumo Asia Holdings
Mr Koh Chwee Beng's life took a challenging turn when his heart function dropped to just 13%. Undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery was only the beginning of his arduous recovery journey. To manage his condition, he relies on diuretics, which lead to frequent toilet visits—a daunting task due to his limited mobility and the inaccessibility of nearby facilities.
Thankfully, the Singapore Heart Foundation’s (SHF) Heart Support Fund provided essential aid. A personal mobility device has restored his independence, while a CabCharge card eases the financial burden of frequent medical appointments.
“SHF has truly been a great help to me and my family,” Mr Koh shares. He hopes those able to give will support SHF in assisting more heart patients in need.
- Mr Koh Chwee Beng, Heart Support Fund Beneficiary
"To me, a ‘Resilient Heart’ signifies someone who possesses a positive and persistent mindset. It’s about embracing and sustaining a positive lifestyle to grow a stronger and healthier heart, both physically and emotionally."
- Jacqueline, Assistant Director of the Heart Wellness Programme, SHF
My favourite part of the job is interacting and working alongside my colleagues, volunteers and beneficiaries. The Singapore Heart Foundation's work saves lives, from the person with cardiovascular risk factors to the cardiac patients and victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The thought that I have a part in this great effort to save lives continues to motivate me in my work. When things get tough, I remind myself how blessed I am with a good, meaningful job and collaborative teammates."
- Jeslin, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, SHF
"This is something we did several years ago. We came up with the Healthier Choice Symbol to help consumers make healthier food choices based on the different food groups," shares Dr Mak Koon Hou.
- Dr Mak Koon Hou, Former SHF Board Member
"It took us maybe 3 to 4 years to come out with all the programmes. We felt that people may be confused and that it is sometimes difficult to make informed choices about the food they want to eat."
Meet Mr Lim Chee Kien, husband of a client of the Singapore Heart Foundation’s (SHF) Heart Wellness Centre, Mdm Angie Ng. He is grateful to the SHF for organising the CPR+AED certification course for caregivers!
“We always thought we knew CPR from movies, but real life is different,” says Mr Lim.
Thanks to SHF’s CPR+AED course, he is now equipped with the practical skills to respond confidently. Mr Lim hopes he will never need to use it, but he’s now prepared to help his loved ones—or even a stranger on the street—in a moment of need.
Mr Kalai Pillay’s sudden cardiac arrest came without warning. Thanks to a swift rescue, he was one of the rare individuals who was able to return to normal life, embracing his second chance with resilience and gratitude.
Inspired to give back, Mr Kalai got himself certified in CPR+AED from the Singapore Heart Foundation. He saw firsthand how early intervention can save lives and is committed to empowering others with the same lifesaving skills.
Now a community first responder, Mr Kalai is dedicated to helping others survive cardiac arrest. Inspired by his personal motto—"If not me, then who? If not now, then when?"—he encourages everyone to get trained and be ready to make a difference.