Newspaper Article II

I have received numerous friend requests on Facebook and Google+ as well as emails from the public giving us words of encouragement, well wishes and offers to help in many ways. For that, I would like to say a big 'THANK YOU' to everyone. I have, in fact, replied to many as promptly as I should. I am also aware that some (you know who you are) are still waiting for follow-ups from my end but I haven't, my most sincere apologies.

This week has been hectic as we are in the midst of packing and preparing C's first trip out of Singapore. We will be joining Club Rainbow for a family retreat and will be cruising on Royal Caribbean - Mariner of the Seas. To prep for the trip, I have taken C to the clinic for his flu jab. He is crankier than before due to the jab and teething (again.. this time upper molar) but otherwise his general health seemed to be good for the trip. I, on the other hand, am busy packing for the entire family and IT IS a logistical nightmare. Toys, machines, consumables, medication, bathing chair, luggage for adults, luggage for children, double stroller... the list seemed to go on argh!!! It takes much careful planning to fit everything in the least number of luggage. So please do bear with me, I promise I will revert soon when we returned.

Meanwhile we have done an interview with The New Paper and here is our story featured on 19 Nov 2014. Click to enlarge.


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Newspaper Article

Our recent crowd funding campaign went viral and caught the eyes of the reporters.
Here is C's story featured on 新明日报 (9 Nov 2014). Click to enlarge.

 

Campaign Disrupted

*UPDATE*

PayPal has kindly agree to release the funds raised as an exception.

We are thankful for that!

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There has been an unfortunate twist to our crowd-funding campaign.

PayPal has emailed to inform that they will terminate our account as the collection of funds through PayPal is against their policies. Indiegogo has offered PayPal as payment gateway nonetheless (This really needs to be sorted out!).

Funds raised as of today via PayPal will be rejected. As for funds raised prior will also be locked until further notice by PayPal. As advised, probably requires another 180 days before they will release the funds.

Hence, I urge kind funders to visit our blog for alternative options to help.

Thank you all for your understanding.

We will provide an update on case with PayPal when we have more information.

All I Want For Christmas

As C gets older, he is more aware of things around him. He is constantly drawn by new objects and demands to check them out to satisfy his curiosity. His mind needs stimulation and he is hungry for new knowledge and skills.

Problem is, his physical disability is a hindrance to his exploration. He requires help retrieving objects, he needs support when sitting, he needs to be carried around in order to explore, he needs someone to hold big heavy objects for him etc etc etc. Simply put, C needs me to be there for him, to act as his hands and legs. As much as I can help, I cannot dedicate all my time to him. There is a limitation to my physical capabilities as well.

Therefore, we are hoping to raise funds for a special tomato chair to meet his needs.

Check out the campaign below for more details.

A New Year, A Different Light

Year of the Horse has been good so far.

The Good:

• The annoying flu which bugged the family went away after stringent measures taken.
• Caelen has included "papa" and "mama" in his world of babbling.
• He recognises his favourite songs. Will laugh and clap along when these are played.
• He discovered the wonders of bubbles and tries poking them with his fingers during tub time.

The Bad:

• His phlegm is building up and been coughing more after his milk feed.
• He sweats profusely when sitting up during playtime.
• He drools more.

While Caelen gets to spend his first Lunar New Year with family and relatives. I, on the other hand, gained precious bonding time. This is the first time I looked at him and at things in a different light. And I came to learn that:

• He whom I turned away from never left me.
• He who fills my life with sadness and misery for many different reasons also fills my life with so much joy and love.
• He gave little signs and subtle hints along the way to help me comprehend that things happen for a reason. Some are destined to be and we just need to go with the flow.
• He made me see the silver lining when I am at my lowest. He let friends and sometimes strangers into my life at different juncture when I most needed help and support.
• I can't ask for a miracle if I don't believe in Him.

This boy is our little angel. Sent to us with a purpose. Here to accomplish greater things. There are more to life than money and career. Please do not lose sight of what is important in life. You cannot backtrack and make up for lost time. Caelen has changed my life completely and I hope he can change others' too.

 

Tomorrow is an important day. We will be meeting some new friends from RDSS to understand how families cope with SMA. It's our first baby step forward! It will be a fruitful meet. Can't wait.

 

 

P.S. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to friends and anonymous kind souls who contributed to Caelen's CDA. Thank you and God bless.