A Former Classmate who Refuses to Give Up

Through a casual chat with Siew Fung, the wife of my former high school classmate, Yap Kim Tong, I came to know that Kim Tong - who is still recovering from a stroke he suffered a few months ago - was very eager to reconnect with his old friends.

Finally, on 04.09.2025, three classmates and I visited him at his home. Although he continues to struggle with mobility, sometimes losing balance and falling, we were heartened to see him cheerful, talkative, and in remarkably high spirits.

According to Siew Fung, his journey with strokes actually began as far back as 2023. He had unknowingly suffered a mild stroke, which only came to light when a doctor pointed it out during a consultation for chest pain.

At a mini-reunion of former classmates on 09.11.2024, held to welcome newly reconnected friends Paul Yap and Timothy Piazin at a local restaurant, Kim Tong appeared perfectly normal - none of us could have imagined what was to come.

Mini-reunion on 09.11.2024
From left: Me, Timothy Piazin, Peter Tan,
Eddie Chow, Paul Yap and Yap Kim Tong.

Just before Christmas in 2024, I received news from Siew Fung that Kim Tong had suffered a second, more serious stroke and had to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance. I still remember visiting him at the hospital on 26.12.2024, the day after Christmas. He was then unable to walk or speak properly. Yet, with consistent medical care and the aid of acupuncture, he made a remarkable recovery and regained much of his strength.

At the hospital on 26.12.2024.

Unfortunately, his third stroke in April 2025 was far more severe. Even so, his unwavering determination, coupled with the devoted support of his wife and family, has made his ongoing recovery truly extraordinary. His commitment to daily exercises to strengthen his legs is living proof that he refuses to surrender. Despite his mobility challenges, he continues to attend the Senior Citizens Fellowship of his church, BCCM Donggongon, always faithfully accompanied by his wife.

Taken on 04.09.2025 at the residence
of Yap Kim Tong.

Indeed, Kim Tong’s resilience, courage, and zest for life are nothing short of inspiring - not only to his family and friends but also to all of us who have been privileged to witness his journey.

It is my prayer that his recovery will continue smoothly and without setbacks. We eagerly look forward to the day he can once again join us for a simple yam cha - sharing coffee, stories, and laughter together, just like in the good old days.