（Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
On 24 November 2024, 76 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, who are Tzu Chi care recipients, and their family members gathered at Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre (HYC) for the annual Renal Friends Gathering organised by Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore).
Interactive event booths were added to the annual event this year, allowing care recipients to learn about Tzu Chi’s environmental protection efforts and various holistic care and support available for the CKD patients, with the hope of improving their physical and mental health.
Attendees participated in interactive games to enhance their understanding and retention of the event's key messages. (Photo by Chong Mong Zhuang)
(Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
Sharing Genuine Stories to Inspire Strength
“Welcome to the Renal Friends Gathering.”
Brother Andrew Lim, the emcee, greeted the participants in various languages at the start of the event. Despite the heavy downpour, the spirits in the Great Hall were not dampened as the audience returned the greeting energetically.
“List three things you love about yourself.”
The renal care recipients who came to the event did not know each other. However, through the icebreaker game – “Dice Breaker”, they answered questions about the little joy in life and shared their life stories openly in their group, hoping to spread positivity and encouragement to one another.
Many may think that suffering from renal disease is devastating to them and their family. However, for Mr Ang Ah Hua, who was diagnosed with CKD in late 2023, this condition further exacerbated his health situation, as his eyesight has been deteriorating since he was 50 years old. “Initially, I was afraid to go out and will just stay at home and listen to the radio, but ever since I started dialysis, I had to trouble my brother to accompany me for dialysis,” Mr Ang shared.
Mr Ang Ah Huat sharing his experience on stage next to emcee Brother Andrew Lim. (Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
“Despite this, my brother didn’t find it a hassle but instead motivated me to overcome the challenges ahead and learn to use the white cane which is meant for the visually impaired. Since then, I have become more independent and am able to go to the nearby coffee shop and to the pick-up point for my dialysis,” he added appreciatively.
“Don’t give up hope, keep learning,” he advised. Despite not being in the pink of health, Mr Ang exudes the strength of a person who can prevail over the suffering brought by the illness.
Dr Lim Eng Kuang, a nephrologist at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, was invited to give a talk on renal health with the audience. (Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
Apart from the inspirational sharing, the organiser also invited Dr Lim Eng Kuang, a medical director at Tzu Chi Renal Dialysis Centre, to provide insightful guidance on coping with dialysis.
“The weather is very hot; how much water can I drink?”
“Why do I have cramps after dialysis?”
“What to do if dialysis is painful every time the needle is inserted?”
These were some of the common concerns CKD patients had, which were addressed during his seminar. CKD patients who have to undergo dialysis for the long term tend to reduce their rate of exercise. A young CKD patient raised his hand and asked: “Since I have an AV fistula (AVF) in my arm, can I still carry weights and do strenuous exercise?”
Dr Lim replied that CKD patients can still do strenuous exercises like completing a marathon, but they must not overstress themselves and must get ample rest afterward.
Caring and sharing in an interactive way
“Strength, Hope, Love”
This year, the theme of the Renal Friends Gathering not only focuses on expressing support for renal care recipients and showing appreciation for their caregivers but also on providing holistic care for renal health to all. Therefore, the event’s programme was designed to allow more time for attendees to visit the exhibition zones to gain some insightful knowledge during the gathering.
Mr Tan Teck Seng, a Tzu Chi care recipient with CKD, posing to take a photo in front of the photo corner. (Photo by Chong Mong Zhuang)
“It’s my first time here at HYC. It is very tranquil and there is a wide variety of activities at each booth, such as creating a healthy plate for dialysis patients,” commented Mr Tan Teck Seng, a Tzu Chi care recipient with CKD.
The interactive booths gave him a deeper understanding of the various types of foods and fruits he can consume while undergoing dialysis because the volunteers were detailed in explaining why some food and fruits should be avoided due to their high salt and potassium content. “I will try to have healthier meatless meals after learning from environmental protection volunteers that I can also do my part in environmental sustainability while having a healthier diet,” he added.
Informative booths are set up to help renal care recipients easily learn how to improve their diets. (Photo by Chong Mong Chuang)
Volunteers preparing nutritious plant-based snacks for the attendees. (Photo by Chong Mong Chuang)
A wall of colourful flowers and lighting was set-up by south zone charity volunteers as a photo booth corner for the renal care recipients to capture this joyful moment. “The individual light signifies the hopes of everyone, and that they can blossom and stay positive like the flowers,” explained Sister Tiw Lee Peng. She also revealed that renal care recipients also get to keep the Polaroid photos as a memento and wished they could always remember this happy moment.
Brother Lam Keng Chew was one of the befriending volunteers who felt that this volunteering experience left a deep impression on him. He shared, “During difficult times, the care recipients saw hope from Tzu Chi volunteers as we stepped in to assist. But today, I saw hope in my care recipient, knowing that she will be resilient in the face of the challenges with the support everyone close had poured in. I am also thankful that I am healthy and able-bodied and can serve the community.”
The Tzu Chi Renal Friends Gathering not only reminded renal care recipients that they were not alone but also heightened their hope on their path of treatment. Love is not only an altruistic means but also something that humanity desperately needs.
“Never lose courage. Never lose faith. Nothing in this world is impossible when you are determined.”
This is a Jing Si Aphorism by Dharma Master Cheng Yen, familiar to all. Everyone needs to start with themselves and have the right faith to do what is right. With increased confidence, the renal care recipients will be able to better face the challenges ahead.
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