Zhi Ming is 42 this year, but he has spent much of his life feeling unseen and misunderstood. Born into a low-income family, hope often felt fragile for him and his sister, who is also intellectually challenged. He has lived much of his life on the margins, navigating misunderstandings and enduring moments of cruelty that have left unseen scars. Then came his diagnosis of Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease, with a grim prognosis of only months to live.
Yet, in the midst of it all, two people changed the course of his life. Their neighbours, Mdm Chan and Mr Gan, became more than guardians; they became family. They adopted Zhi Ming and his sister not out of obligation, but out of love. They walk beside him through every hospital visit and hold him steady through his fears and confusion.
As his condition worsened day by day, Zhi Ming still harboured a wish to visit the Singapore Zoo, something he had long wanted to do. To step into a world of wild animals that he had only been able to imagine. And so, Mdm Chan reached out to Ambulance Wish Singapore through HCA Hospice for help in fulfilling his dream.
On a bright, sunlit April morning, Zhi Ming’s long-awaited dream finally came true. He was so excited that sleep eluded him the night before. He was already up at 4am, brimming with excitement for a day at the zoo with his loved ones.
CLOSE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
The wish day began with a deeply tender moment when Zhi Ming presented Mdm Chan with a bouquet of roses, thanking her for the years of unconditional care and love. Emotions welled up as Mdm Chan struggled to hold back her tears. In that instant, love spoke louder than words, setting the tone for all that followed.
At the Singapore Zoo, Zhi Ming sat down for its special dining experience, Breakfast in the Wild. Laughter and warmth filled the air. Surrounded by his favourite orangutans, penguins, owls, and macaws, Zhi Ming thoroughly enjoyed a sumptuous meal with those closest to him.
As the day unfolded, so did Zhi Ming’s sense of wonder. His eyes lit up at every turn, from majestic big cats to curious reptiles and playful primates. Feeding a giraffe left him in awe, a childlike sense of amazement shining through. When our team surprised him with a soft toy of his favourite animal, emotions welled up once more. Later, during a specially arranged animal interaction session, he gently reached out to connect with the canines he loved so dearly. In those fleeting moments, the sparkle in his eyes said everything — joy, gratitude, and a kind of peace that words can never quite capture. A wondrous day like this could only be topped with comfort food, so Zhi Ming’s favourite KFC was in order.
Ambulance Wish Singapore is grateful to have played a small part in creating beautiful memories in Zhi Ming’s otherwise challenging journey. More than that, we are humbled to witness the strength of love and humanity; the unwavering care, commitment, and selfless devotion shown by Mdm Chan and Mr Gan towards Zhi Ming and his sister. They remind us that angels do walk among us.
Ambulance Wish Singapore volunteers Chan Chen, Deborah, and Ryu extend their heartfelt thanks to Mandai Wildlife Reserve for their generous support in making this day possible. A special shoutout to the wonderful team at KidzWorld, especially Sari and Wan Xin, for the patience and kindness shown to Zhi Ming during the dog interaction session. Last but not least, big love to Xpressflower Singapore for sponsoring the bouquet which touched everyone’s hearts.
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Every memorable wish experience granted by Ambulance Wish Singapore is made possible by the generosity and time of people like you.
Zhi Ming’s wish was to go to the zoo and see all the animals up close, just like in his wildest dreams. Would you like to help grant the next meaningful wish?
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