Featuring 2022 Exemplary Caregiver Awardee, Mr Gan Keng Aik
Mr Gan, the father of Aloysius Gan, 16, has been awarded the Exemplary Caregiver Award for his efforts in taking care of Aloysius. Mr Gan currently works in physical security at the management level, overseeing the company operations while juggling his responsibilities with his son.
Aloysius, who attends a special needs school, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth. Due to his condition, Aloysius uses a wheelchair and does not have clear speech. But while his motor skills are affected, resulting in reduced finesse in his hands and fingers, Aloysius can independently handle basic tasks in his daily life.
Just like any child, Aloysius’ daily routine revolves around waking up and going to school. Typically, his mother would send him to school and when Mr Gan gets to go into the office later, he spends his morning sending Aloysius to school. In the afternoon, Aloysius’ mum picks him up and sends him to Boccia training until the evening when he will return home for dinner and homework before going to bed. Admirably, Aloysius’ condition has hardly gotten the better of him and against the odds, he has succeeded in representing Singapore on the national team for Boccia and is a Gold medallist in the recent ASEAN Para Games and Asian Youth Para Games.
When Mr Gan takes care of Aloysius, he mentions that one of the most challenging times was the preparation for Aloysius’ Primary School Leaving Exam (PSLE). While his condition does not impact his IQ, Aloysius takes a longer time to grasp concepts and requires lots of practice papers. It was a tedious and repetitive process as Mr Gan had to go through a concept many times. Fortunately, Mr Gan and his wife divide and conquer as they split tasks to efficiently help Aloysius; Aloysius’ mother tackles Mathematics and English while Mr Gan teaches Science. Due to his condition, Aloysius cannot write and has to use a special keyboard that significantly slows him down, warranting almost double the time for each exam paper.
While it can get arduous at times, Mr Gan shares that the most important aspect of caring for Aloysius is finding out how to nurture and mentor him to inculcate the right attitude toward life; to ensure Aloysius has resilience and determination such that despite other people viewing him differently, he can nonetheless rise above it and accomplish his goals. Whether Aloysius succeeds or fails at doing something, Mr Gan always encourages Aloysius. He commends him or motivates him to try again so that Aloysius learns and grows from his experiences.
As a father holding a full-time job, Mr Gan may need to travel overseas for work once every 1 or 2 months. However, he finds that there is always a choice in life and does not feel stressed or burdened to take care of Aloysius. Although Mr Gan may be busy, he actively spends time with his family when he is off work or entire Saturdays with Aloysius in Boccia training. Whether it is family, friends or hobbies, he believes it is a personal preference to choose how time is spent and he chooses his family. Mr Gan feels the most joy when he bonds with Aloysius. Going overseas for competitions allows him to spend quality father-son time with Aloysius. Some of the most meaningful experiences Mr Gan holds dear include the adventure and little moments he shares with his son because whether it is victory or defeat, he sticks by his son. They will win, lose, suffer and share the glory together.
To him, it is the journey that counts, not the destination.
Thanks to Club Rainbow’s support, Aloysius has been receiving funding through the Talent Development Fund (TDF) over the last few years, enabling them to purchase better Boccia equipment and balls for training and competitions that boost Aloysius’ gameplay.
Lastly, Mr Gan wants to tell the world that whether it is cerebral palsy or other illnesses, it remains up to the individual to decide what it means for their life. With the support of family and friends, any child can realise their dream and not let their condition limit them. Mr Gan believes that everyone has the right to chase their dream and live a fulfilled life.
Among other competitions, Aloysius will be playing for Singapore in the 2023 ASEAN Para Games. We wish the father-son duo the best of luck and hope that you can share their story with your friends and family to raise awareness and support them in their journey.
Written by: HCI Project Butterfly Effect
Edited by: Club Rainbow (Singapore)