An Unexpected Turn in Life

In 2021, Joyce Tan, a vibrant aqua aerobics instructor, faced a life-altering moment right after a class. Driving to meet a friend, she suddenly felt a strange numbness on her right side. Unaware she was having a stroke, Joyce managed to drive home, where her niece swiftly took her to the hospital.

Ignoring the Warning Signs

Reflecting on that day, Joyce, now in her 60s, recalls the warning signs she had ignored: dizziness, leg pain, and unusual breathlessness had all surfaced weeks prior. A concerned neighbor even urged her to seek help, but Joyce dismissed the concern. Days later, the stroke struck.

Facing New Realities

Just six months later, while recovering from major hip surgery, Joyce suffered another stroke followed by a seizure, complicating her recovery further. As she mourned the loss of her beloved mother, she found herself alone in a hospital bed, grappling with the shock of her new reality—a far cry from her once active lifestyle.

A New Beginning at St Luke’s Hospital

After hospitalization, Joyce began her recovery journey at St Luke’s Hospital (SLH), spending five months in rehabilitation. There, she met David, a compassionate pastoral counselor, whose prayers and spiritual encouragement helped Joyce process her emotions and begin to heal.

The Healing Power of Water

In a remarkable twist, water—the very element Joyce had used to inspire others—became integral to her healing. Following her stay at SLH, she began hydrotherapy sessions at St Luke’s Day Rehabilitation Centre. Although daunting at first, these sessions facilitated her recovery, allowing her to regain upper body strength and eventually transition to independent movements.

Rediscovering Strength and Faith

Joyce embraced her faith as an unwavering source of support. Utilizing both online services and church attendance, she immersed herself in her spiritual journey. A particular Bible verse inspired her: "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8). This connection provided solace amid her struggles.

Finding Joy in the Journey

Today, Joyce reflects on her healing journey with humor and gratitude. "Can you believe I went from teaching aqua aerobics to being the one in hydrotherapy?" she chuckles. This experience has brought her full circle; she has rediscovered her community and her true self.

Embracing Life’s Second Chances

Joyce has transformed her initial feelings of regret into a commitment to good health and a deeper relationship with God. "I trust that God knows what He’s doing," she states. With plans to visit her brother in the USA soon, she embodies resilience and hope.

A Lesson in Faith and Gratitude

Joyce’s journey reminds us that even in our darkest hours, there is light and purpose, driven by faith and community. "I may have struggled, but I now feel blessed to have this second chance at life," she concludes, ready to keep moving forward, inspired by hope and grace.