A Family Bound by Love — The Ngeiw Family’s Journey of Strength, Care and Hope
The Ngeiw Family
For the Ngeiw family, every day is a story of love, resilience, and togetherness. Parents to three wonderful boys — Chen Kang, Chen Rui, and Chen An — they have embraced life’s challenges with open hearts and unwavering faith, drawing strength from one another.
The eldest, Chen Kang, is a caring and responsible young boy who loves reading and drawing. He shares a special bond with his brothers, especially Chen Rui. Whether he’s helping to prepare medication, setting up the bath chair, or reading bedtime stories to both Chen Rui and Chen An, Chen Kang’s nurturing, protective nature shines through. When Chen Rui came home after a long stay in Singapore General Hospital (SGH)’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Chen Kang instinctively understood that his brother needed extra care — and he has been his gentle protector ever since.
Chen Rui, the middle child, lives with severe cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia due to a lack of oxygen at birth. Despite his medical challenges, he fills the home with joy. He is currently schooling at Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS), where he enjoys the company of his teachers and friends, and his face lights up whenever he hears his favourite songs or stories. He loves outings to Changi Airport, museums, or East Coast Park. Chen Rui communicates through gestures, facial expressions, and assistive communication tools such as the Big Mack and Head Switch, allowing his vibrant personality to shine through in his own unique way.
The youngest, Chen An, is both artistic and athletic. He loves drawing and origami, and has a passion for cycling and swimming. Much like Chen Kang, he showers Chen Rui with love and care — helping to push his wheelchair during family outings and playing ball with him during therapy sessions.
Navigating Life with Courage
Each of the Ngeiw siblings faces their own set of health challenges.
Chen Kang was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at two months old and underwent surgery to address kidney scarring caused by urine reflux. Chen Rui, due to his condition, depends entirely on his caregivers for daily needs and requires Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube feeding for nutrition, as well as frequent Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC) to prevent bladder stones. Meanwhile, Chen An manages childhood asthma after being born prematurely.
Despite the complexities of their routines, the Ngeiw family have found strength in unity. Yet, the holiday season often presents a significant challenge: finding suitable places to bring Chen Rui. “Many venues lack the necessary accommodations for individuals with special needs, such as a full-size changing bed for a growing teenager's diaper changes or amenities for PEG tube feeding,” Ms Quek, mother of the Ngeiw siblings, shares. This challenge is amplified when considering overseas road trips, like to Malaysia. “Long drives are difficult for Chen Rui as he cannot endure extended periods in his wheelchair, requiring much more frequent nature breaks, CIC, and tube feeding stops.”
Finding a Community in Club Rainbow (Singapore)
Their journey with Club Rainbow (Singapore) began years ago, through Ms Sally from Club Rainbow at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). Since then, Club Rainbow has become a cherished support system for the family.
Every year under Club Rainbow’s Kris Kringle programme, families are invited to submit a small wish that their child would love to receive for Christmas under Kris Kringle. Through Kris Kringle, the Ngeiw siblings have received thoughtful gifts — musical night lights, Nerf guns, and headphones — each bringing smiles and festive cheer to their faces. They have also enjoyed taking part in heartwarming holiday events and workshops, such as the Christmas party at KKH, a robotics workshop, a Black Soldier Fly workshop. In 2024, the Ngeiw family also took part in Club Rainbow Family Retreat, a memorable cruise to Penang.
“These experiences were a perfect chance to bond and spend quality time together,” Ms Quek reflects. “We got to reflect on ourselves and deepen our relationships. We truly treasure these valuable memories!”
The Gift of Support and Community
Over the years, Club Rainbow has been an invaluable partner to the Ngeiw family. The transport service to and from KKH, for example, has been a lifesaver for Chen Rui, allowing the family to attend hospital appointments punctually and return home in time for his critical routine of CIC, shower and tube feeding.
The education awards offered by Club Rainbow also serve as powerful motivation for Chen Kang and Chen An, encouraging them to work hard and do their best in their learning, giving them recognition for their efforts. And every Christmas, the Kris Kringle programme — complete with handwritten notes from anonymous donors — bring warmth and love into their home.
“We are truly grateful for this kindness,” Ms Quek says. “It adds a lovely touch of festive joy to our family.”
A Message of Gratitude and Hope
To the donors and partners who make Kris Kringle possible, the Ngeiw family has a heartfelt message:
“Our deepest gratitude goes out to the donors and partners who brought the magic of Kris Kringle to life. We are immensely appreciative of the time and kindness you have shown to every child at Club Rainbow. In today's busy society, it is profoundly heartwarming to see donors who not only remember and care for children with special needs but who also take the time to ensure their gifts are sent from the heart, filled with love and empathy. Thank you very much for your selfless sacrifice. Your dedication lights up our festive season and the joy you gifted has truly touched all of us.”
And to those who may be considering donating or fundraising for Kris Kringle this year, they share a message of encouragement:
“The reach of your gift of love and kindness is immeasurable. Your generosity creates a ripple effect, ensuring that kindness will beget kindness as one good deed naturally sparks others. This mutual support and compassion are what will strengthen our community and nation for generations to come.”
The Ngeiw family’s story is one of courage, connection, and hope — a reminder that with love and support, even the most challenging journeys can be filled with light.
Support our children like the Ngeiw siblings via #DiamondsofResilience Fundraising Campaign. Every donation also brings a double blessing: Thanks to Tote Board’s dollar-for-dollar matching, your contribution will go twice as far in brightening the lives of our children this holiday season.
Share the gift of hope and make this season brighter for our children - donate today, start your own fundraising campaign or spread the word with #SpreadRainbowCheer #DiamondsofResilience!
About Club Rainbow (Singapore)
Established in 1992, Club Rainbow (Singapore) is a non-profit organisation and charity dedicated to supporting and empowering children with chronic illnesses – many of whom are with special needs and disabilities – and their families. Through a holistic suite of compassionate, relevant services, we journey with them towards living with dignity, and becoming active contributors to the society.
Website: https://www.clubrainbow.org
Contact number: 6377 1789
Email: contact@clubrainbow.org
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