Facing Challenges with Courage
and Resilience

Mr Koh Seng Chye, 53, was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2000 due to his diabetes condition and has been on dialysis for the past 16 years. He goes for thrice weekly dialysis sessions, about 4 hours each time at NKF’s Woodlands Dialysis centre.

Encouraging His Peers Seng Chye does not feel bogged down by his regular dialysis sessions. Since his induction into NKF’s Patient Advocacy Programme, he is one of the most active members. As an advocate leader, he befriends new patients and guides patients who are facing different issues. He is able to empathise with his peers and constantly seeks out patients who need his care and encouragement. He renders assistance to the nurses at the dialysis centre by organising activities for his fellow patients.

Volunteering in the Community Seng Chye has a passion for helping the elderly and frequently involves himself as a volunteer in NKF’s community outreach programmes. He befriends the elderly and conducts activities to enrich their lives. At a visit to an elderly nursing home, he found out that the residents’ daily meals tasted bland. Since then, he has taken out one day of each month to personally cook and deliver meals to the elderly at the home and has been doing this for the past two years.

Many Helping Hands He strongly believes in giving back to society and feels that by concentrating efforts through many helping hands, a greater impact can be achieved. He sets an example for others by encouraging his wife and two children, Lynn, 20, and Andy, 17, to come on board as volunteers. From a young age, Seng Chye’s children have been taught the importance of volunteering. Throughout the years, Lynn has been tapping on her dancing talent to perform for numerous non-profit groups. Over time, his whole family has become committed to the volunteer cause, helping out at various fundraising and health education activities. He is also an active grassroots member in his local community club and always participates in their activities, organising over 20 short trips to Malaysia for the local residents.

“Among all the patient advocates’ activities, I enjoy visiting dialysis centres the most. This is because I am able to relate my personal story to the patients, encouraging those who are struggling to come to terms with their sickness.” Mr Koh Seng Chye

“Despite his medical condition, Seng Chye displays resilience and positivity in the challenges he faces and is a good role model to fellow patients. He takes the effort to improve his blood sugar level and no longer requires medication to control his diabetes.” Ms Pan Mei Yu, Nurse Manager