Lets help Edward and Vivienne beat the odds

Dear all,

Life is fragile and tragedies can happen at any time. These tragedies can completely change the course of our lives.

On the eve of 2020, tragedy has struck a dear childhood friend of mine, Edward Lee together with his wife (Vivienne Ngiu) and their 4 year old son. They were on the Seremban Expressway, en route to their first family vacation of the year, when a stray dog suddenly dashed out onto the expressway.

As a knee-jerk reaction, Edward swerved to avoid hitting the dog, lost control of the vehicle, crashed into a divider and overturned. Whilst Edward walked away with a nasty gash on his head and his son thankfully unscathed, the accident has changed their lives forever as it has left Vivienne in a state of Complete Paraplegia. Her spine has multiple fractures and dislocated at T5 and T6. She also suffers from several broken ribs, fractured left scapula and a head concussion. She has now lost complete sensory and motor function of her body from the chest down. Both Vivienne and Edward make an honest and humble living by operating a ballet and dance academy called Dancers Dreams in SS18 Subang Jaya.

Vivienne is the principal and head ballet teacher of the academy whilst Edward supports the business from an administration perspective. Because of Vivienne’s spinal injury, their only source of income is now greatly impacted. The spinal surgeon gravely told them that it is highly likely that Vivienne will forever require the assistance of a wheelchair. This means that she will no longer be able to dance and teach ballet the way she used to. However, through your kind gestures, we can collectively help her at least be a mother again to her one and only child.

On the 2nd of January 2020, Vivienne underwent a 7-hour surgery to realign and stabilize her spine. 12 screws and a several rods were put in place to stabilize her spine. She would need to be in ICU for at least 2 weeks. This is only the beginning of the long recovery process. She is expected to stay in hospital for a few weeks to up to 3-4 months to do aggressive physio therapy and to manage any secondary complications. Because of the severity of the injury, the rehabilitation process is estimated to take up to 2 years.

Unfortunately, Vivienne is not covered by medical insurance and medical costs are rapidly stacking up. Coupled with the fact that Vivienne is now unable to work in the only job she has known since she was 16 years old, they would require financial assistance. This short write-up is a call for an urgent funding assistance from any kind soul who comes across their story.

They estimate that the medical cost would snowball up to RM350,000 (SGD115k). This shortfall is on top of already pouring their entire life savings into the costly and urgent treatment thus far. Having known them for almost 3 decades, they are one of the kindest people I have met and are selfless in helping others in times of need regardless of their situation and expects nothing in return.

Although Edward does not like imposing this burden on others but as their concerned friend and someone who has been on the receiving end of kindness and generosity, I am stepping up to appeal that we all help this kind man and his family get back on their feet.

Please if anyone could spare some change, the multiplication factor through volume would greatly help them ease the situation a little.

This tragedy can befall any one of us. And if it happens to you, would you not wish for kindness and help to overcome the odds? Together, through a small donation, we can help Edward and Vivienne get through this difficult chapter in their lives.