Singapore – Some people never fully recover from a serious illness. And some people, through luck, genes, grit, or a combination of everything, make every day count.

They aren’t necessarily as physically strong as they used to be, but they don’t succumb to self-pity or victimhood. They are grateful to be alive every day and seize opportunities.

Meet three people who are not defined by their medical diagnoses.

One man competes in triathlons and Hylox races despite battling colon cancer and undergoing tri-lung surgery with only half his lung capacity. operation. Another is a Parkinson’s disease patient who entered beauty pageants to show others there is life beyond her disease, and a third continues to play golf and promote the sport despite four cardiac arrests by the age of 32.

Here we introduce their inspiring journeys.

Vivian Chee started 2026 by running 22km in nature. Malacca In early January.

She finished 2025 by completing her first Hyrocks Fitness Race in the women’s singles category here in November, as well as several other endurance races.

These are impressive feats for any 57-year-old, but what makes her story extraordinary is that she accomplished it with only half her lung capacity after battling colon cancer and undergoing three lung surgeries since 2020.

Devika SP Marthanayagam shines in a red and white sequined gown, her close-cropped hair framing her big brown eyes and high cheekbones.

The 54-year-old Singaporean semi-finalist for Miss & Mrs. ASEAN 2026 looks every inch a beauty pageant contestant, but her winsome smile hides the near-constant pain she suffers from as a Parkinson’s disease patient.

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by muscle stiffness and tremors, difficulty or lack of movement, and difficulty speaking, among other symptoms. It is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the world after Alzheimer’s disease. There is no cure.

Wee He Sheng’s heart stopped in January, just as 2019 began. he was 28 years old at that time.

Mr Wee, who was volunteering at the 2019 SMBC Singapore Open held at Sentosa Golf Club, was testing out a golf simulator at the event after finishing his afternoon duties when the incident occurred.

The Singaporean player was preparing to take his sixth shot when he suddenly felt unwell and collapsed. When he woke up, he was at Singapore General Hospital (SGH).