As emcee Ho Xin Qin warmly welcomed the audience, the blazing afternoon heat was no match for the vibrant energy filling the Great Hall. (Photo by Yeo Chee Hwang)
On 30 August 2026, 46 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, including Tzu Chi CKD beneficiaries and patients from the Tzu Chi Renal Dialysis Centre, along with their family members gathered at Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre (HYC) for the annual Renal Friends Gathering organised by Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore). Interactive event booths were also added to the annual event this year to allow aid beneficiaries to gain insights into their mental well-being and various holistic care and support for the kidneys, with the hope of improving their physical and mental health.
Sharing Genuine Stories to Inspire Positivity
“Let's say hi to the person beside you.”
Ho Xin Qin, the emcee, greeted the participants enthusiastically at the start of the event. Despite the blazing afternoon heat, the spirits in the Great Hall never wavered as they returned the greeting energetically.
“Who is someone you would like to thank?”
“I would like to thank Tzu Chi volunteers,” said Mdm Choi Kum Yock, the next of kin of a patient at Tzu Chi Renal Dialysis Centre, during the icebreaker session.
The aid beneficiaries who came for the event did not know each other. However, attendees then warmed up with a spin on the classic "Hot Potato" game, passing balloons adorned with positive affirmations until the music stopped. As each turn landed, members reflected on life's simple joys and openly shared their personal journeys, creating a comforting space of mutual support and optimism.
Madam Choi Kum Yock, next of kin of a patient at Tzu Chi Renal Dialysis Centre, responds to the host during the icebreaker session. (Photo by Tew Yu Rui)
Receiving a renal disease diagnosis can feel overwhelming for any family, but Madam Zainab’s story proves that life doesn't stop at dialysis. After stopping work in 2023 due to declining health, she initially resisted treatment. However, after falling into a coma due to her refusal to undergo urgently needed dialysis, waking up changed her perspective completely. Today, she approaches life with a positive mindset, adhering strictly to her treatment plan while actively enjoying every day.
Though a diagnosis of renal disease can feel overwhelming, Madam Zainab's journey from resisting treatment and waking from a life-changing coma to fully embracing dialysis proves that hope and a vibrant life continue beyond diagnosis. (Photo by Yeo Chee Hwang)
Now, she balances her health care with taking care of her family, baking for loved ones, and traveling whenever she can. To anyone facing a similar journey, her advice is simple yet powerful: trust your medical care, embrace life, and know that you can overcome this—a diagnosis isn't the end of a quality life.
Job Loei, a Patient Support Specialist with 25 years of working experience at NKF, shared his powerful 32-year journey as a dialysis patient himself. Having started dialysis at age 29, he addressed common fears surrounding diagnosis, financial worries, and long-term health management.
Job Loei, a Patient Support Specialist with 25 years of working experience at NKF, shared his powerful 32-year journey as a dialysis patient himself. (Photo by Yeo Chee Hwang)
"How do I manage my fluid intake effectively?"
"Is it safe to continue exercising on dialysis?"
"How do I prevent dialysis from dictating my daily life?"
These were the key questions Job addressed, offering practical advice grounded in experience. He highlighted that through strict treatment compliance, strength training, and proactive fluid control, patients can lead active, fulfilling lives. Beyond physical care, Job stressed the importance of mental resilience—urging patients to stay positive, lean on support networks, and never view themselves as a burden to their families.
Finding Peace in Body and Mind in an Interactive Way
This year, the theme of organising the Renal Friends Gathering that revolves around body, mind and soul is not only to rediscover the colours of life among the renal patients and their caregivers, but also to provide holistic care for renal health to all. Therefore, the event’s programme was designed to allow more time for the attendees to visit the exhibition zones to gain some insightful knowledge during the gathering.
The "Colours of Connection" booth, set up by Tzu Chi volunteers, invited CKD beneficiaries to align their body, mind, and soul through lighthearted, uplifting activities. Volunteer Lau Zi Quan revealed that the prompt cards featured simple, non-exertive tasks, such as expressing gratitude or recalling a good deed that beneficiaries could practice anytime anywhere without overexerting their physical health. "We also set up a section for writing thank-you notes so everyone could share appreciation with loved ones," explained another volunteer Lam Keng Chew. "It serves as a gentle reminder that true wellness connects the physical body, a peaceful mind, and a joyful soul. Taking care of yourself allows you to live with renewed hope every day."
An attendee pens a message of gratitude reading "Grateful to all volunteers" on a thank-you note card during the event. (Photo by Yeo Chee Hwang)
Tan Chew Sia, who was wholeheartedly engaged at her booth, shared how mindfulness can support both caregivers and patients. She commented, ”Five-finger breathing isn't a medical technique, but a grounding practice I picked up during a Tzu Chi volunteer workshop to learn how we must care for ourselves before we can care for others. By combining slow breathing with tracing our fingers, it gives the mind a concrete focus to ease stress, manage anxiety, and support better sleep—which can be especially helpful for dialysis patients facing treatment anxiety or insomnia. As a healthcare worker, my work goes beyond nutrition; patients often just need a listening ear and simple tools to feel calmer. Moving forward, I hope to continue honing my communication and mindfulness skills to offer more holistic support." She then concluded that taking just a few moments to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the present can make a world of difference for anyone facing life's challenges.
For many caregivers, finding the right care with the right environment brings immense relief. After transferring her husband to the Tzu Chi Renal Dialysis Centre, Madam Choi Kum Yock shared how deeply moved she was by the healthcare team and dedicated volunteers. "They truly embody the principle of healing people, healing diseases and healing hearts," she expressed. Since the transition, her husband has become noticeably happier and more proactive in managing his treatment. Beyond easing their financial burden, the serene and peaceful atmosphere across Tzu Chi's facilities, from the dialysis centre to Humanistic Youth Centre, has offered her family a comforting sanctuary.
Tan Chew Sia (first from the right) demonstrating the soothing five-finger breathing technique at her booth, offering caregivers and dialysis patients a gentle way to ground themselves and restore inner calm. (Photo by Yeo Chee Hwang)
“We need to overcome difficulties, not be overcome by them.”
This is a Jing Si Aphorism by Master Cheng Yen familiar to all. Everyone needs to believe in themselves and have a positive mindset to do what is right. With increased confidence, the CKD patients will be able to better face the challenges ahead.
46 CKD beneficiaries and patients from the Tzu Chi Renal Dialysis Centre, along with their families, pose for a group photo with Tzu Chi volunteers at the end of the event. (Photo by Tew Yu Rui)
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