World Prematurity Day (15 November 2026): Arshad’s Journey from Tiny Beginnings to Big Dreams

Born at just 24 weeks and weighing a mere 642 grams, Arshad’s first months of life were filled with uncertainty. Today, he is an active teenager who loves sports, spending time with his loved ones and dreaming of serving the Nation. His journey from a fragile newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to the resilient young person he is today is a testament to his strength, courage and the unwavering support of his family and community. 

A Tiny Fighter 

Arshad’s journey began with a five-month stay in the NICU at National University Hospital (NUH). Born extremely prematurely, his body and organs were severely underdeveloped, and he faced multiple health complications, including chronic lung disease. He also had a stoma and underwent several surgeries during his time in the NICU. 

Just days after his birth, Arshad required emergency surgery. For his parents, it was one of the most frightening moments of their lives. 

“I will never forget the doctor telling us that it was a matter of life and death, and that his chances of pulling through were not high.” 

Amid the uncertainty, a moment of encouragement gave the family the strength to keep going. Professor Prabha from NUH personally came to them, held their hands and told them to fight for Arshad. 

Those words stayed with his parents. They held on to hope and fought alongside their tiny son. 

After five long months in the NUH NICU, Arshad finally came home. For his family, bringing him home was a moment they would always treasure — and the beginning of a new chapter in his journey. 

Finding Support Along the Way 

The family was introduced to Club Rainbow (Singapore) through the hospital team at NUH. With a branch within the hospital and Arshad’s chronic lung disease requiring ongoing care, Club Rainbow became an additional source of support as the family navigated life with a child with additional healthcare needs. 

Arshad joined Club Rainbow in 2012, and the organisation has been part of his journey ever since. 

In his early years, when he was dependent on specialised milk feeds and required numerous medical appointments, financial assistance from Club Rainbow helped to ease some of the family’s financial burden. As Arshad grew older, support continued through bursaries when he entered primary school and later progressed to secondary school. 

For his family, these forms of assistance provided more than financial relief — they offered reassurance that Arshad could continue learning, growing and having opportunities to experience life alongside his peers. 

Beyond financial support, Club Rainbow gave Arshad opportunities to participate in activities, meet other children, make friends and create happy memories. 

“It has been wonderful to see him being given opportunities to simply enjoy being a child and, now, a teenager.” 

Through the different stages of his life, Club Rainbow has become a community that has walked alongside Arshad and his family. 

Celebrating Every Milestone 

From fighting for his life at 642 grams to undergoing emergency and multiple surgeries, living with a stoma and navigating ongoing health challenges, Arshad has overcome many hurdles from the very beginning. 

His family has learnt to celebrate every milestone — including the ones that others might consider small. 

“Some things that may seem small to others can represent a huge achievement for Arshad.” 

Each milestone is a reminder of the determination he has shown since the day he was born. Today, seeing him active and enjoying the outdoors is especially meaningful for his family. 

An enthusiastic sports lover, Arshad enjoys soccer, volleyball and basketball. He also loves outdoor activities and spending time with his friends and family. 

Dreaming Without Limits 

Despite the challenges he has faced, Arshad continues to look ahead with ambition. 

His dream? To serve the Nation. 

For his family, his dreams are a reminder that his beginnings do not have to determine his future. 

Their greatest hope is for Arshad to grow up happy, healthy and confident, knowing that while his journey may be different, it does not define him or limit what he can achieve. 

Looking back at the tiny 642-gram baby who once fought for his life, his family feels incredibly blessed to see how far he has come. 

“Every milestone is precious to us.” 

They hope Arshad will continue to live with courage, dream without limits and always know how deeply he is loved. 

A Message from Arshad 

Arshad may have started life small, but his journey has shown that strength is not measured by size. Today, he continues to move forward with determination, surrounded by the love and support of his family and community. 

In his own words: 

“I may have started my life very small, but I have always been a fighter. Thank you for believing in me and cheering me on. Remember, even the smallest steps can lead to something amazing!” 

World Prematurity Day brings people around the world together to raise awareness of preterm birth and show support for babies born too soon and their families. It is a day for healthcare professionals, parent organisations, advocates, researchers, policymakers and communities to come together and call for better care, stronger support and healthier futures for children born prematurely. This year’s official slogan, “Small babies, big potential. Invest in follow-up care to protect their future!”, highlights the importance of continued care and support for babies born preterm, even after they leave the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It also reflects the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2026 focus on ensuring that preterm babies and their families receive the follow-up care they need to support their health and development as they grow. 

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About Club Rainbow (Singapore) 

Established in 1992, Club Rainbow (Singapore) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children with chronic illnesses, many of whom have disabilities and special needs, and their families. Anchored in our commitment to empowering individuals to lead dignified lives and become active contributors to society, Club Rainbow delivers more than 30 critical programmes, services, and assistance schemes to support our children and their family members. 

Website: https://www.clubrainbow.org/   

Contact number: 6377 1789  

Email: contact@clubrainbow.org  

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