An enduring commitment to volunteering

Sally Low has always been a steadfast volunteer, dedicating her time to various voluntary welfare organisations. Her journey took a poignant turn after witnessing how people’s lives were devastated by freak accidents on the news. Fuelled by a deep sense of compassion, she equipped herself with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification, transforming her into a capable first responder.

In 2008, Sally stepped back from her volunteering activities to take care of her newborn grandson. Her altruistic contributions were reduced to occasional assistance at a local community centre. As her grandson gradually grew up and became more independent, Sally found herself with newfound time. A well-meaning friend reintroduced her to volunteering, leading her to join an NKF dialysis centre in Ang Mo Kio from September 2022.

“Caring for others fills my heart with purpose and gratitude. The patients remind me to cherish life’s blessings and share joy wherever I can.”

Sally Low, who supports, encourages and provides a listening ear to dialysis patients

Renewed compassion for the sick

Volunteering at the dialysis centre exposed Sally to the plight of dialysis patients. Witnessing first-hand the pain of needling and hearing stories of hardship after their life-changing kidney failure diagnosis deeply affected her. During her first few volunteering sessions, she often cried as she empathised with the patients’ suffering. She also feared the weight of grief when patients passed on. But after gaining insight from a nurse who shared that their responsibility was to alleviate suffering rather than shouldering burdens, Sally started drawing strength from the patients’ stories.

Grateful for her own health, Sally actively engages with patients, offering assistance in myriad ways – from taking their weight to pushing wheelchair-bound patients to the treatment area. Sally’s kindness and altruism have made her beloved among patients, who often confide in her about their troubles, providing her opportunities to infuse their lives with optimism.

Sally’s keen observations extend to patient well-being, prompting her to address issues promptly. She has accompanied wheelchair patients to the community centre to assist in redeeming their CDC vouchers. When Sally is not at the centre, the patients would frequently inquire about her, demonstrating the profound impact she had made in their lives. She encourages patients to exercise by demonstrating moves herself. Her infectious enthusiasm during a Renallympics competition encouraged hesitant patients to participate, fostering a sense of community and shared accomplishment.

Finding purpose and fulfilment

Today, Sally radiates her active and bubbly self, visiting the dialysis centre almost every day, supporting the nurses and patients alike.

“The patients have lots of stories to share,” says Sally. “They remind me not to take the blessings around me for granted, making me appreciate life even more.”

Sally’s hope is that her smiles and cheerfulness will continue to uplift the spirits of the dialysis patients and inspire positivity in their lives.