‘To live audaciously is to give generously’: Singaporean man with ALS starts charitable fund

Mr Yeo Whee Jim, 52, a Singaporean diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2023, has established a charitable fund to support young caregivers from lower-income families despite his progressive loss of physical function.

Using payouts from his critical illness and other insurance policies, Mr Yeo donated over S$200,000 to set up the Lok Yan and Whee Jim Fund with the Community Foundation of Singapore. The fund aims to assist young caregivers who often face financial and emotional strain while supporting family members with serious illnesses or disabilities.

Although ALS has taken away his ability to walk, feed himself and perform daily tasks independently, Mr Yeo remains focused on living purposefully. “I’m already at the end of my life, and if I want to go, at least go with a big bang,” he said in an interview with The Straits Times. “I believe that to live is to give, and to live audaciously is to give generously.”

Mr Yeo, a widower with a 20-year-old daughter, previously ran his own training consultancy firm. He has surpassed the typical survival timeline for ALS patients, living past the halfway mark of the two to five years commonly expected after diagnosis.

The Lok Yan and Whee Jim Fund reflects his commitment to leaving a legacy of resilience and compassion, particularly for young caregivers who often go unrecognized in their roles.