A Mother's Journey of Resilience and Hope

by Kevin Yiew
Photos by Lim Hwei Shuean

Life can sometimes be full of unforeseen circumstances. This was the case for Mdm Sifa Fauzia, 35, whose life took a dramatic turn after suffering a stroke two years ago. However, she is not letting it get her down and is determined to navigate her health challenges while working part-time as an F&B manager to support her 12-year-old daughter.

Health Crisis Emerged Without Any Warning
It was in 2023 that Sifa suffered a stroke while visiting her family in Jakarta. That was nothing short of sudden and frightening; one moment she was feeding her daughter, and the next, she could neither move her right hand nor speak. Tears streamed down her face as she recalled her panicked attempts to communicate with her brother, who was struggling to understand her cries for help.

After being conveyed to the hospital, Sifa learned that she was suffering from high blood pressure—a condition that she had not been previously aware of. After staying in the hospital for a week, she returned to Singapore, where further medical evaluations revealed that she had mitral regurgitation, and required surgery to repair a hole in her heart.

Facing Surgery with Courage
Despite the risks associated with the surgery—one of which could potentially affect her ability to have more children— Sifa made the brave decision to proceed with the operation. “I needed to care for my daughter,” she explains. “I wanted to recover quickly so that I could be there for her.”

With the support of a compassionate social worker from the hospital, Sifa received financial assistance that took care of her medical expenses and allowed her to focus on her recovery without financial stress. “I am extremely thankful for their help,” she shares emotionally.

Embracing a New Lifestyle
Post-surgery, Sifa faced new challenges as she had to adapt to a transformed life with ongoing health concerns. Her daily routine now includes monitoring her health closely and adhering to a strict diet that is low in cholesterol and rich in nutrients. She has significantly adjusted her eating habits—opting for boiled vegetables and lean proteins while avoiding oily foods that leave her feeling uncomfortable.

She also engages in light exercise, primarily walking, which helps her maintain her physical health without overexerting herself. Although Sifa misses the hectic pace of her previous lifestyle, she now finds solace in spending quality time with her daughter.

Monitoring is Key
As part of her post-operation care, Sifa requires lifelong warfarin therapy to manage her blood clotting levels. This necessitates regular monitoring of her INR levels—a task made easier thanks to the home monitoring device provided by the Singapore Heart Foundation through the Heart Support Fund.

“This machine is essential for my survival,” she emphasises. “It helps me regulate my blood thickness and gives me peace of mind.” With appointments scheduled every few months at the hospital and regular check-ups at the polyclinic, Sifa has learned to balance her health needs with her work and family life. “I’m grateful for the support I’ve received,” she says, reflecting on how far she has come since that fateful day in Jakarta.

Looking to the Future
Sifa is aware of the difficulties that she faces daily due to her health condition, but she is still hopeful about the future. “I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way,” she expresses with a deep sense of gratitude. She adds, “Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Stories like Sifa’s reflect strength and resilience in our community. Join the Singapore Heart Foundation’s meaningful cause to empower lives and uplift hearts.