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Sponsors
needed!
Heart patients need your financial
aid. Support Derek in his humble efforts to raise funds
for heart patients. These families will benefit tremendously
from the proceeds.
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2003
Calling all former heart patients
and keen runners. If you are in the pink of health and
interested to do your bit for charity, join Derek on
Sunday, 7 December
at the National Stadium. For more information, log on
to www.singaporemarathon.com
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BRAVE
HEART |
T wenty-four-year-old
Derek Lim Yew Meng finds it difficult to pull the
brakes. The Temasek Polytechnic student adores sports,
incessantly indulging in various physical activities.
In 2001, he participated in the Singapore Exxon Mobil
International Marathon and this coming December he is
attempting his second marathon run at the Standard Chartered
Singapore Marathon 2003.
But beneath the lively and effervescent spirit belies
a dark fact. Derek is born with a birth defect called
VSD, Ventricular Septal Defects, commonly known as 'hole
in the heart'. Children with this heart defect are often
advised by doctors to avoid strenuous activities.
However, strong will prevailed and over the years, Derek
managed to overcome his adversity and now hopes to use
his gift to help other heart patients. Derek reveals to
Delfina Kellettsze his passion for sports, goals
and VSD. |
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| Voices:
Why do you want to attempt the 42-km run a second time? |
Derrick:
Born with a hole in the heart, I'm naturally excluded
from physical activities during my academic years. This
leaves me feeling rejected and shortchanged. However,
my "never say die" attitude gave me the courage
to participate in sports like basketball, long jump, running
and so on.
In 1997, the activities took its toil on my body and a
valve in my heart ruptured. I had to undergo a corrective
heart surgery in order to live. During the recuperation
period, I gave some serious thoughts on my life and asked
myself what I want to accomplish. I decided that since
I have the ability to run continuously, with proper training
I could participate in marathons to raise funds to help
fellow patients in needs. Now my motto is, you are only
as handicapped as you let yourself to be. |
| Voices:
How would you describe your first marathon? |
Derrick:
The first 20-km was really warm up session with the other
runners. As I entered into the next lap, my legs started
to develop muscle aches and I feel the physical pain and
strain.
At this point, I only have the elements of nature to comfort
me. Reaching the 31-km made me realised that it had been
an arduous journey. I had to constantly remind myself
I must continue on as this is for a good cause. Unfortunately,
I had to stop at the 36-km mark.
Mentally, I want to finish the race, but my legs couldn't
move anymore. These words became an imprint in my mind
and propelled me to try again and I'm determined to finish
the race this time round. |
| Voices:
What is life like with a heart condition? |
Derrick:
When you are born with one or more holes in the muscular
wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the
heart, extra effort is required by the heart to pump oxygen
to the rest of the body.
Many of us experience breathlessness, heart palpitations
and paleness. We're also unable to gain weight. Having
said this, proper medication and regular checkup will
enable us to lead a normal life and most of all, be able
to live life to the fullest! |
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