This photo of a bald man masked in two surgical masks may not be familiar to you, but this is really Dr. William Tan, a Singaporean most respected for his contributions to charity taking into account his own background.
Dr William Tan, paralyzed from the waist down due to polio at aged two has never given up to fate or his disabilities. He has preserved, endured all the taunting by his peers during school days and worked his way to become a medical doctor and a neuroscientist he is today, helping to heal lives in his profession.
But he has never forgotten about the other needy and the unfortunate in the world. From his wheelchair, he has raised funds for many charities all over the world in expeditions like conquering the Arctic, attempting the Antartic and perhaps the toughest of all, successfully completing 7 marathons in 7 continents in 27 days and creating a world record, and these are but just a small number of charity feats he has carried out. He has raised thousands of dollars for charities the world over, no mean feat for a man who did it from his wheelchair!
Dr William Tan has also inspired thousands of common folks in his many inspirational talks around the world, as well as inspiring others less fortunate in his sharing of experiences to turn adversity into opportunities.
Dr William Tan has still lots of his charity projects he wants to carry out to continue raising funds for charities around the world but alas, a greater challenge now awaits him!
Suffering from continuous nose bleedings during one of his overseas expeditions which delayed his timing for the race significantly, Dr William Tan visited a local doctor only to learn that he has Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, a disease in which his blood cells become damaged and grow out of control. During one of his treatments, Dr William Tan suffered such a low heart rate, that the feeling “was colder than Antartic” in his own worlds that he almost passed on.
The disease has left Dr William Tan’s immune system so weak that he has to speak to reporters from two surgical masks to reduce infection (as illustrated in the photo). The cancer chemotherapy sessions also left him bald and constantly tired as a result.
Leukaemia is now the greatest challenge for Dr William Tan and Dr William Tan, always the fighter at heart, vowed to overcome his disease and continue to do his best for charity.
Dr Tan’s current mission which he has taken on before the knowledge of his disease is to raise at least S$70,000 for the Straits times School Pocket Money Fund on 26 Sep 09 by towing children around a running track. If you wish to contribute towards this worthy cause, cross your cheque to "School Pocket Money Fund" and send to Research Communication International, 20 Upper Circular Road, #02-21 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416. Please indicate "Cycle of Hope" on the back of the cheque.
To all readers reading this blog post, I hope Dr William Tan’s story can inspire you to make the fullest of your life and do your part for the charity! While many of us are busy with work, family or dating, I believe there is just so much we can do in our lives to live to the fullest and also to help others.
Dr William Tan, paralyzed from the waist down due to polio at aged two has never given up to fate or his disabilities. He has preserved, endured all the taunting by his peers during school days and worked his way to become a medical doctor and a neuroscientist he is today, helping to heal lives in his profession.
But he has never forgotten about the other needy and the unfortunate in the world. From his wheelchair, he has raised funds for many charities all over the world in expeditions like conquering the Arctic, attempting the Antartic and perhaps the toughest of all, successfully completing 7 marathons in 7 continents in 27 days and creating a world record, and these are but just a small number of charity feats he has carried out. He has raised thousands of dollars for charities the world over, no mean feat for a man who did it from his wheelchair!
Dr William Tan has also inspired thousands of common folks in his many inspirational talks around the world, as well as inspiring others less fortunate in his sharing of experiences to turn adversity into opportunities.
Dr William Tan has still lots of his charity projects he wants to carry out to continue raising funds for charities around the world but alas, a greater challenge now awaits him!
Suffering from continuous nose bleedings during one of his overseas expeditions which delayed his timing for the race significantly, Dr William Tan visited a local doctor only to learn that he has Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, a disease in which his blood cells become damaged and grow out of control. During one of his treatments, Dr William Tan suffered such a low heart rate, that the feeling “was colder than Antartic” in his own worlds that he almost passed on.
The disease has left Dr William Tan’s immune system so weak that he has to speak to reporters from two surgical masks to reduce infection (as illustrated in the photo). The cancer chemotherapy sessions also left him bald and constantly tired as a result.
Leukaemia is now the greatest challenge for Dr William Tan and Dr William Tan, always the fighter at heart, vowed to overcome his disease and continue to do his best for charity.
Dr Tan’s current mission which he has taken on before the knowledge of his disease is to raise at least S$70,000 for the Straits times School Pocket Money Fund on 26 Sep 09 by towing children around a running track. If you wish to contribute towards this worthy cause, cross your cheque to "School Pocket Money Fund" and send to Research Communication International, 20 Upper Circular Road, #02-21 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416. Please indicate "Cycle of Hope" on the back of the cheque.
To all readers reading this blog post, I hope Dr William Tan’s story can inspire you to make the fullest of your life and do your part for the charity! While many of us are busy with work, family or dating, I believe there is just so much we can do in our lives to live to the fullest and also to help others.
