When Noraini (right) first learned that she had chronic kidney failure and needed long-term dialysis, she was shocked and was unwilling to accept the harsh fact. (Photo by Bong Kian Hin)
“Since happiness is a choice, why not choose to live happily every day? However, in mid-2022, when the doctor told me that I needed kidney dialysis to extend my life, it happened so suddenly that I couldn't accept it.”
On Tzu Chi Hari Raya Celebration event this year, Noraini, a performer at the event, shared her experience. Always optimistic by nature, she recounted how she felt when she was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and how she was almost mentally defeated by the harsh reality.
Noraini is over 50 years old and used to be the principal of a preschool. She has always been full of enthusiasm for life and firmly believes that whether she is happy or sad is entirely her own choice. However, when Noraini was notified that she had chronic kidney failure and needed long-term dialysis, she was shocked. She was unwilling to accept that dialysis was the only option and did not believe that she could maintain her quality of life after dialysis. This was mainly because Noraini’s mother was also a kidney patient, and her past experiences had cast a shadow over kidney dialysis.
Noraini said, "I had to live a very prudent life for three years as I had to bear the high cost of dialysis expenses for my mother, so I felt resentful towards kidney dialysis."
Until one day, when Noraini was feeling unwell and was immediately sent to the hospital’s emergency ward for kidney dialysis. After undergoing kidney dialysis for the first time, she finally realised that although she could no longer have her life back as it was before being diagnosed with kidney failure, she now understands and accepts the fact that at least dialysis could help her regain her health while continuing her quality of life and her passion for life.
Now that she has accepted that she is a dialysis patient, she shared: "Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be sad or happy. I choose to be happy, I choose to be lively, and I choose to dress fashionably, so this is me.”
Noraini (first from left) whom dressed fashionably, brought out a bright and beautiful smile, making the distribution event became more vibrant. (Photo by Lee Foo Mun)
Since Noraini could not afford the dialysis fee of more than $3,000 every month, she was referred to Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) by the hospital social worker. Noraini’s dialysis expenses for the first three months during the transitional period were subsidised by Tzu Chi until the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) took over. She expressed her gratitude and said: “The brothers and sisters of Tzu Chi continued to care for me and even made monthly visits to my house to check on me for six months before they stopped visiting.”
On 13 April 2024, which was the first Saturday after Eid al-Fitr, Tzu Chi held its annual Hari Raya Celebration event for its Muslim care recipients and their families at the Jing Si Hall for everyone to celebrate together. Noraini, who loves arts, was invited to perform a dance and brought lots of joy to all the care recipients at the event.
Although this was Noraini’s first time participating in Tzu Chi’s Hari Raya Celebration event, she could feel the warmth and cozy atmosphere of racial harmony during the event. She said: “Tzu Chi respects every race and religion, and this is so incredible and beautiful. Although I have only come to know and come into contact with Tzu Chi over the past few months, Tzu Chi’s good deeds and great love have helped me through challenging times. I am truly grateful to Tzu Chi.”
In front of nearly a hundred care recipients and family members, Noraini shared her story. (Photo by Bong Kian Hin)
Remembering those who helped in times of need and repaying kindness with practical actions
At 2:30 in the afternoon, the sky finally cleared from the cloudy rain of many days. The sun was shining brightly, accompanied by a gentle breeze. It felt as though the bright and sunny day was welcoming this celebration event.
As early as a month ago, volunteers started inviting Muslim care recipients one by one to attend this grand event. This year's event programme was hosted and performed by the care recipients and their family members, and the whole place was filled with laughter and blessings.
In conjunction with the upcoming Eid al-Fitr, a season's greetings banner was hung outside the Jing Si Hall. (Photo by Tew Yu Rui)
An emcee (MC) is the soul and foundation of a successful event, as he or she needs to create a positive ambience, keep the audience engaged, and help the event run smoothly. This year’s two MCs are Aishah (not her real name) and Hafizi (not his real name), both children of a Muslim care recipient. Upon being invited by the visiting volunteers, the siblings took on the important task of emceeing the ceremony without any hesitation.
Both hosted the event in Malay, making the audience feel especially connected. Hafizi, who is currently studying at Nanyang Polytechnic, mentioned that he had experience as an MC in school before, so he took this opportunity to give back. Hafizi said, "I am very grateful to the brothers and sisters of Tzu Chi for their monthly care and living allowances, so I really want to contribute."
As for his elder sister Aishah, who is currently studying at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, she found the courage to be an MC after seeing her brother's desire to give back. Aishah said, "I am also very grateful for the long-term help Tzu Chi has given us. I also want to become a volunteer in the future."
Aishah and Hafizi expressed that they were very honoured to serve as emcees and felt warmly welcomed and encouraged by the volunteers during the process. The siblings said, "The two of us have managed to pick up more hosting skills this time, and being able to host at Tzu Chi’s Hari Raya Celebration event is of great significance to us."
Watching the singing and dancing performances on the stage filled the audience with joy. (Photo by Bong Kian Hin)
Holding on to hope and insisting on spreading love
From transportation, venue decoration, to arranging Malay-style vegetarian dishes, the volunteers started their busy day early in the morning and were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the care recipients. The Hari Raya Celebration event was filled with many exciting programmes and performances arranged by the volunteers. There were Malay singing and dancing, games such as guessing pictures and riddles, and also hand-weaving Ketupat as decorations.
During the Hari Raya Celebration event, Malay-style vegetarian dishes are prepared for the invited guests. (Photo by Bong Kian Hin)
(Photo by Bong Kian Hin)
Care recipient Shafie came to the event with his children. Among his five children, four have both visual and intellectual disabilities, and only one is without disabilities. Shafie is the sole breadwinner for the family. He used to be a masseur before COVID-19. Unfortunately, he lost his job during the pandemic. After becoming unemployed, he actively looked for another job and is now a bus driver.
At this year’s Hari Raya Celebration event, Shafie only brought his youngest daughter. This was the second time that he and his family had attended the event. Seeing the festive atmosphere, Shafie said, "Tzu Chi is very kind and considerate. Besides helping us, it also gives us the feeling of being respected and cared for. This is the second time I have participated in Tzu Chi's Hari Raya Celebration event, which allows us to immerse ourselves in such a joyous and festive atmosphere and celebrate together regardless of race or religion. This feels really good!”
Volunteers and care recipients working together to weave Ketupat as decorations. (Photo by Tew Yu Rui)
"Words cannot describe my utmost gratitude for the help Tzu Chi has extended to me all these times," Shafie said while looking at volunteer Goh Soon Kheng who has been accompanying and caring for him and his family.
Charity home visit volunteer Goh Soon Kheng has been caring for Shafie's family for more than two years. Goh Soon Kheng said: "Shafie loves all his five children very much and is unwilling to accept any external help unless it’s really necessary."
Although life has been challenging, Shafie remains optimistic and full of hope. Starting from about a year ago, he has been depositing his small change in the bamboo bank every day, devoting his modest efforts to help those in need.
"We often shared with Shafie that he can turn from an aid receiver to one who gives help, so he immediately took action and acted on it," said Goh Soon Kheng.
Care recipients and their families pour the money out from the bamboo tubes to contribute and help those in need. (Photo by Bong Kian Hin)
Shafie said: "There are people in this world who suffer more than me. I accept my current predicament as I believe that there will be hope in the future."
He is very grateful for Tzu Chi's assistance and said happily, "I am also a bamboo bank donor now. I use my humble ability to help those who need it more than I do. This is a cycle of kindness."
(Photo by Lee Foo Mun)
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