Credit: Dennis Kweh
Dennis Kweh’s growing-up years
"My classmates were a source of immense support, taking turns to help me by holding onto my armpits and hoisting me up when I struggled to walk."
Credit: Dennis Kweh
Fighting spirit
"Reading became a struggle. But my university classmates rallied around me. One thoughtful classmate recorded lectures so I could follow aurally. To my surprise, I found that auditory learning helped me retain information better. My certified legal blindness made me study harder to ace my honours year. Later, I did post-graduate studies for my librarianship."
Credit: Dennis Kweh
"These moments remind me that setbacks often pave the way for unexpected strengths."
Dennis Kweh setting a wheelchair marathon record
"Dr Ang Wei Tech, an engineering professor and inventor, came to my aid by making the first locally assembled motorised wheelchair. He kept the cost low to ensure that we could maximise the amount raised for charity. It was below $1,000."
"Other volunteers came to my aid too, by running with me. I was with runners from 8am to 11 pm on the roads over three days."
Credit: Dr Tan Jit Seng
"Those were some of the best three days of my life. And yes, the marathon raised a significant sum, $100,000, for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS)."
Being independent
Credit: Dennis Kweh
"I love the simple things in life — like looking after the fish in my aquarium, cooking and listening to music. See, I bought a Yamaha keyboard and have a new challenge: to teach myself to play it."
Credit: Dennis Kweh
"I was hospitalised for some time. Fortunately, when I fell, I had my phone with me, and I called two friends for help. When they came, I struggled to the door and managed to use my walking stick to help them open the door. After this incident, I decided that a digital lock would serve me better, because I could programme it so that others could get in."
Credit: Dennis Kweh
"Although independence is important, I am very grateful to have Khin my Burmese domestic helper to assist me at this time. She is a good cook too."
"I was a little depressed about being bedridden for a long time. But recently, I saw a friend who went through a serious hip fracture and fully recovered. Suddenly, my situation does not look so dire anymore. One must always look on the bright side of life."
Credit: Dennis Kweh
"I do think of bigger questions like the existential meaning of my life. I know a spiritual anchor is important. One way to have it is through reading inspiring books. The lessons learnt from such books give the benefits of hindsight. The 'what ifs' give way to 'why nots.' This spurs us on to do things beyond our comfort zone."
