Love knows no boundaries. Love overcomes all challenges.
February 14, 2021“I love you mommy!”
March 1, 2021
Very often the people involved at MDAS started out by providing an extra pair of hands when needed. That’s how Judy, MDAS’s Executive Director, began her relationship with this association and come to love nurturing and interacting with the kids and youths at the association. Since circuit breaker and the covid19 situation, we finally got the chance to get a quick chat with Judy on her love for this association.

How long have you been working at MDAS?
Judy: I joined MDAS as a staff in Nov 2007. However, my involvement with MDAS started much earlier. I use to volunteer at their roadshows and activities, when an extra pair of hand was needed. I remember interacting with the kids who are now in their 30s. You could say I’ve watched them grow up.

What do you love the most about working at MDAS?
Judy: MDAS is like one big family and I look forward to going to work because it is where I get to meet my colleagues, members and volunteers. MDAS is a place where everyone plays, grows and learn about one another, especially for our members.
I love being able to nurture and interact with the kids and youths at the association. Many of our younger members are initially shy and reserve when they first join us. Over time, through motivation and guidance, you can witness their transformation, which can be quite amazing.
Especially during lunch time, together with my colleagues and volunteers, we can talk about anything and seeing each individual opening up, taking part in conversations and eventually joking and teasing each other is truly gratifying. I enjoy exploring solutions to find ways our members can do more things for themselves e.g. making adjustments so that they can feed themselves even if it’s for a few mouthfuls at the start.
I would use the word ‘fulfilling’. There are many things in life that matters and knowing that our members are growing, even if it’s baby steps, and knowing they are doing well in their respective lives is really fulfilling and I feel, that this what really matters.
As our members begin to feel good about themselves, we can see their confidence and self-worth, and their to-do-spirit grow despite the daily challenges they face, this is truly empowering.
What I really love about MDAS is, that it’s where my colleagues and volunteers are like brothers, sisters, aunties and uncles to our members, helping them, guiding them, and watching them grow up. It is heartwarming when everyone comes together to create this sense of belonging to MDAS.
What is something that the public may not know about MD and MDAS?
Judy: Muscular Dystrophy causes severe muscle loss and it is not contagious. As there are no muscles in the brain, it does not affect one’s ability to learn. The majority of our kids attend mainstream education and given the correct guidance and opportunities, they are able to take on work suited to their condition.
