Annabel’s Journey: Shining Through Challenges

Annabel Ong

Annabel with her family

This Children’s Day, we are proud to shine a light on Annabel – a determined, responsible, and caring young girl who inspires those around her with her resilience. 

Annabel lives with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS), an extremely rare lifelong genetic disorder that affects the body’s automatic control of breathing during sleep. To manage this condition, she requires mechanical ventilation at night. Despite these challenges, Annabel never lets her condition hold her back from pursuing her goals and dreams. 

Annabel joined Club Rainbow (Singapore) in 2018 after being referred by her homecare nurse and doctor from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). Since then, her family has found strength and support through caregiver and peer connections, as well as the many events that bring families together and Club Rainbow’s efforts in raising social awareness about children with chronic illnesses. 

One of the things her family admires most about Annabel is her bravery and determination. Even when faced with difficulties in school—whether academic or emotional—she never gives up. She takes on each challenge with courage, proving that she can thrive independently even when her parents are not by her side. 

Outside of school, Annabel loves drawing, listening to music, singing, and caring for small animals. Looking ahead, her biggest goal is to pass her Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE)—a milestone she is working diligently towards. Her parents’ greatest hope is that she will always be able to meet her medical and daily needs with ease, and live a life free of worries. 

When asked what message she would like to share with other children this Children’s Day, Annabel offered these heartfelt words: 

“I wish that all the children will not feel sad about their illness and be happy every moment.” 

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