Wendy’s decision to leave her stressful job for family time takes an unexpected turn when a stroke alters her life.  She turns her despair to determination, and so inspired our staff that she nominated her for the Inspirational Patient award.

“At the age of 45, I left my stressful job as an accountant in a multinational corporation to spend more time with my three young children, only for a sudden stroke to rob me off of my mobility just two years after becoming a stay-at-home mum.

I will never forget the moment I woke up in hospital and was told that I had suffered a stroke; I was in complete shock and disbelief. The reality only really sank in when I realised that I could not move my right hand or foot and could only mutter the words: “Yes” and “No”.

My family members were shocked too, as there were no warning signs prior to the stroke. I was healthy and fit as I exercised frequently, and was always on the go.

The despair I felt at my inability to do even the simplest tasks threatened to overwhelm me. In the earlier days of my recovery journey, I often felt that there was no point in even trying.

Everything felt so daunting: I had to re-learn almost everything, from walking to talking to even putting on my clothes. But my family never gave up on me and I could not give up on myself either.

I channelled the despair I felt into a determination to regain as much of my life as possible. When I was still in hospital, I would wake up at 5am daily to get started on my physical therapy exercises for the day. I embraced all the therapy sessions I was scheduled for five times a week, including occupational therapy, music therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy sessions. Outside of therapy, I also practised the movements so that I could regain my strength and mobility.

It has taken me some time, but I am now able to walk and talk, after many months of therapy. Today, I continue to play an active role in caring for my kids, even though my speech is still a little slow.

Using specially adapted steering wheel devices, I am able to drive my children around. I also help them with schoolwork, prepare meals, and volunteer at their school.

As a stroke survivor, I hope to do more to further the cause of encouraging more fellow survivors to make the most of their lives. I recently sang two songs for Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Medical Social Workers’ Day Celebrations, after three weeks of practice with my music therapist. My performance even moved some of the audience to tears, showing me that I must continue sharing with the world the full life I am living as a stroke survivor. I also started volunteering with ActiveSG, advising  trainers on how to design fitness programmes for  stroke survivors like myself.

This may sound strange but in some ways, I am thankful I got a stroke. This episode has forced me to slow down and focus on what truly matters;  spending time and building closer relationships with  my family, who gives me plenty to live for each and  every day.”

Wendy Leaw received the Inspirational Patient Award at the recent 2025 SingHealth Inspirational Patient & Caregiver Award.

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