Living Life in Full Bloom
Despite facing chronic illnesses, Wendy Ong Po Choo is spreading joy and actively seeking ways to better the lives of others
Step into Grace Residence at MWS Bethany Nursing Home (BNH) in Choa Chu Kang, and what greets you are intricately-crafted flowers – from a vibrant orchid display at the nurses’ station to a delicate carnation by a resident’s bedside and a stunning hydrangea flower vase arrangement in a common sitting area.
The creator of these ornate blooms is neither a staff nor volunteer, but a 50-year-old resident, Wendy Ong Po Choo.
Despite suffering from Parkinson’s disease and a degenerative spinal condition which causes numbness and weakness in her limbs, Wendy is determined to embrace life fully.
“Even though my legs don’t work, my hands still do. I hope to bring people joy through handmade flowers,” Wendy said, punching out paper flowers from a craft punch while surrounded by art supplies and LED-lit hydrangeas strewn across her bed.
Since her admission into the Nursing Home in September 2023, she has lovingly given paper roses to every resident and staff nurse, bringing joy to those who received them.
Connecting passion with purpose
Encouraged by her care team, Wendy embarked on a mission to fundraise for MWS BNH by crafting paper flowers and showcasing them at a festive bazaar organised by Seagate Technology in December 2023.
The self-taught artist, who honed her skills through online tutorials, said, “While others may be able to complete a handmade flower in an hour or two, it takes me a day due to my condition. I hope that the funds will help improve the lives of my fellow residents.”
Holistic healing
Wendy’s ethos of giving is rooted in her Christian faith.
But behind her warm and giving nature lies a past of deep pain and hardship.
Prior to her admission, Wendy had worked as a cashier to support herself and her mother. But after one too many falls due to her comorbidities, she was forced to resign.
As Wendy’s health worsened, her increasing care needs strained her relationship with her mother, leading to her eventual referral for long-term placement at MWS BNH.
Taking a holistic care approach, a multi-disciplinary team worked with Wendy to address her physical, emotional and social wellbeing. This ranged from interventions like weight management care to group therapy and rehabilitation programmes.
“Even though my legs don’t work, my hands still do. I hope to bring people joy through handmade flowers.”
MWS’ Chaplaincy team also provided Wendy with spiritual support and counselling. “It brought me peace and helped me to begin healing from past family wounds,” she said.
Today, Wendy is a role model, extending her caring touch to staff and fellow residents. Among her acts of kindness include soothing a cognitively impaired resident prone to episodes of aggressive behaviour through heartfelt dialogue in Hokkien.
But she is quick to downplay her contributions. “I’m simply doing my small part to care for my fellow residents,” she expressed. “I see them every day, more than my own family, so they have become like family to me.”
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