Kidney Failure Inspired Him to Help Others

Diagnosed with kidney failure in 1988, Ab Aziz Jamin embarked on his dialysis treatments while grappling with financial struggles and social alienation. In 1991, he received a kidney transplant. In 2004, his transplanted kidney became infected, and he resumed his dialysis at the National Kidney Foundation. His experience with kidney failure inspired him to become an active volunteer and advocate to spread awareness of kidney disease and treatment while championing awareness of organ donation among the Muslim community.

It’s May and we are two weeks away from our flagship Charity Golf event which is targeted at fundraising for the President’s Challenge and the SAF Care Fund.

We feature a beneficiary story from the National Kidney Foundation, one of the beneficiaries adopted by President’s Challenge.

A Life Fraught with Setbacks

Diagnosed with kidney failure in 1988, Ab Aziz Jamin embarked on his dialysis treatments at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) while juggling a demanding job as a marine officer. The accumulative cost of dialysis placed a huge financial burden upon him and his family. On top of that, the physical strain of kidney failure and frequent dialysis left him feeling severely fatigued.

Aziz grappled with the harsh reality of being alienated from friends and colleagues who could not fully comprehend what he was experiencing. In those early days, dialysers had to be cleaned and reused, which compounded the challenges he confronted.

Life took a positive turn when his wife secured a job at the hospital, which improved their financial situation. In 1991, he received a kidney transplant, which provided a respite from dialysis and a semblance of normalcy to life.

Unfortunately, thirteen years later, his transplanted kidney became infected, and by 2004, Aziz resumed dialysis at NKF’s dialysis centre.

Finding His Purpose

Amid these challenging times, Aziz found solace and purpose in volunteering. His personal experience with kidney failure inspired him to become an advocate, working with the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA), Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), and the Muslim Kidney Action Association (MKAC) to promote organ donation awareness within the Muslim community. Since 2015, Aziz has been a significant presence in NKF, actively participating in volunteer activities as a proud NKF Patient Kaki to be a friend to fellow dialysis patients. Aziz is also actively involved in NKF’s Renal Rehabilitation and Lifestyle Rewards Programme, where he frequently participates in education and exercise activities.

Despite nerve issues impeding his mobility, Aziz continues his advocacy work. His voice remains a powerful tool in spreading awareness and educating others about kidney disease and treatment. He contributed to several bazaars and fundraisers, leveraging the stage as a platform to entertain and raise awareness about kidney health. Even when confronted with challenges of unresponsive patients and motivating the younger generation to volunteer, Aziz's steadfast dedication never wavers. In recognition of his efforts, Aziz recently received NKF’s Life Champion Commendation Award in the Inspiring and Resilient Champion category.

“If I can use my experience to help others, why not? That is why I decided to speak up and tell others about kidney disease and organ donation. I hope that my efforts can make some difference in people’s lives,” said Aziz.

From his early days of dialysis to his ongoing advocacy and volunteer efforts, Aziz exemplifies enduring hope and perseverance. He continues to inspire and uplift those navigating the challenges of kidney disease, embodying the spirit of resilience.

Photo by the Singapore Power Group