Journeying with Renal Friends through the “Long Night” Under the Tranquil Light of the “Stars and Moon”

A photo booth was set up inside the venue, featuring a ‘night sky’ decorated with stars and loving hearts, where volunteers helped capture beautiful moments for the renal patients and their families. (Photo by Chai Yu Leong)

End-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing long-term treatment are among the groups that Tzu Chi continues to care for deeply. In 2025, through its Dialysis Assistance Programme, Tzu Chi provided financial support to help cover part of their medical and transportation expenses. After two decades of dedicated services, Tzu Chi established a non-profit dialysis centre in Buangkok Crescent in 2024, aiming to address the growing demand for dialysis services in the area.

To foster greater care and interaction, Tzu Chi home visit volunteers conduct monthly visits to the homes of these renal patients. And on 31 August, they also held the annual Renal Friends Tea Gathering at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, attended by a total of 45 patients and their families.

Volunteers welcoming the participating renal patients and their families at the entrance of the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, spreading warmth with their smiles. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)

According to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), Singapore ranks third globally in the number of kidney failure cases caused by diabetes. Currently, there are approximately 400,000 diabetic patients in Singapore, and the number continues to rise each year. For most patients, dialysis remains the only form of treatment to sustain them while they await a kidney transplant.

The event began with a mini play performed by volunteers from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA). The performance depicted the struggles of a patient whose life had been profoundly disrupted by diabetes. Besides spending several hours each week at a dialysis centre to cleanse his blood, he had to grapple with the uncertainty about his ability to work and what his future might hold. This emotional narrative resonated deeply with the audience.

Volunteers performed a short skit to portray the challenges faced by most renal patients, striking a deep chord with the audience. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners and nutritionists were also invited to share simple health tips with the renal patients and their families. TCM practitioner Chan Chiew Yong (pictured below) understood that dialysis, which takes approximately four hours per session, can be uncomfortable. Therefore, she demonstrated simple and easy-to-apply ear acupressure techniques to alleviate these discomforts.

Among the participants were Chua Chee Hin and Lim Ah Bee, a couple who joined this event for the first time. They expressed great appreciation for the ear acupressure therapy. Chua Chee Hin has weak legs and limited mobility, so his wife is constantly worried about him falling. As a result, she stays close by his side, and they rarely leave their home. Chua Chee Hin is deeply grateful to his wife for her attentive and loving care -- from keeping him clean to ensuring that he is well-fed. They were also grateful for the Tzu Chi volunteers who provided transportation and companionship throughout the day, making it possible for them to attend the event.

Chua Chee Hin (right) and Lim Ah Bee (left) were very happy to participate in the Renal Friends Tea Gathering in the company of volunteers. (Photo by Chai Yu Leong)

Nutritionist Zhang Li Yuan also shared recent research outcome with the audience: plant-based protein is more beneficial than animal-based protein, as animal-based protein lacks many essential nutrients, including dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Research shows that long-term consumption of plant-based foods can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. In addition, plant-based foods such as soybeans, black beans, red beans, mung beans, edamame, chickpeas, lentils, and soy products (tempeh, tofu, dried tofu, and dried bean curd sheets) are easily available in the market.

Tan Teck Seng, a renal patient attending the Renal Friends Tea Gathering for the second time, shared with delight that he had learned valuable tips from the nutritionist, particularly on how to consume sufficient protein to strengthen his immune system.

The organisers also urged the audience to pay close attention to healthy eating and lifestyle habits. In today's fast-paced and high-stress environment, many people turn to food and drink to relieve stress but often overlook the long-term health risks. Frequent consumption of foods high in oil, salt, sugar, and additives, not only dulls the sense of taste but can also unwittingly lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperuricemia and high cholesterol.

Sudha Aravindar, a staff member at the Tzu Chi Renal Dialysis Centre, patiently explains the functions of the dialysis machine to a renal patient. (Photo by Chai Yu Leong)

On display were also some of the dialysis machines from Tzu Chi Renal Dialysis Centre. The smooth and efficient operation of the Centre is a testament to the dedication and care of its medical staff and volunteers. Among them is Sudha Aravindar, who joined the Centre just a few months ago. Despite being a new staff, she has already observed that the Centre's operations differ from those of other medical institutions.

She gave the example of the Tzu Chi Renal Dialysis Centre, which operates from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, exceeding normal operating hours of other similar centres, with the aim to serve working renal patients. Despite the extended hours, the Centre operates on 3 shifts, ensuring adequate rest for staff. "This allows us to have the energy and spirit to better care for the patients," shared Sudha Aravindar.

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