Philippines Award
AWWA Model Caregiver Award
Traffic Police Award
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Government and church need to provide better structural support for the mentally ill and their caregivers: Raymond's letter to the Media
This letter was published in advance in the Catholic News on Sunday 27th September 2009.
I am encouraged that the government is asking the church and the Catholic Welfare Services (CWS) to do more for the needy (“ Minister urges church to play bigger role in social service”, CN, Sept 13).
Undoubtedly, the mentally ill and their caregivers are in urgent need of support as they are often shunned, isolated and neglected because of the stigma that is associated with mental illness. We need to change mindsets as psychiatric patients are also human. They need love, understanding and support just like anyone else. Above all, they need to live in dignity.
For 15 years I gave up on the Catholic religion as I felt that God had abandoned me as I witnessed how my wife suffered horrifically from the dreaded schizophrenia and depression. Due to the lack of support, I too fell into depression. It was only through the compassion of my parish priest, Father Andrew Wong that brought me back to church. This priest, who continues to support us has transformed my whole life and I will always be indebted to him. Caregivers who do not have a faith will find it extremely difficult to care for a mentally ill family member.
The structural support for psychiatric patients and their caregivers is very weak and needs better support, for there are thousands out there who are suffering in silence. Let us reach out to them so that they can lead more meaningful lives. I am a volunteer with the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) where I often share my three decades of experience in loving and caring for my wife.
I am prepared to offer my services to the government and the church to change mindsets and enable the mentally ill and their family members not to give up on life. Together, we should be able to reclaim lives, save lives. For the road ahead for psychiatric patients and their caregivers will always be challenging, always uncertain.
People with mental illness just need one person to love them and with medication, support and understanding, they will recover. Someday, I hope that mental illness will be treated just like any physical illness.
Raymond Anthony Fernando
Singapore 560601
I am encouraged that the government is asking the church and the Catholic Welfare Services (CWS) to do more for the needy (“ Minister urges church to play bigger role in social service”, CN, Sept 13).
Undoubtedly, the mentally ill and their caregivers are in urgent need of support as they are often shunned, isolated and neglected because of the stigma that is associated with mental illness. We need to change mindsets as psychiatric patients are also human. They need love, understanding and support just like anyone else. Above all, they need to live in dignity.
For 15 years I gave up on the Catholic religion as I felt that God had abandoned me as I witnessed how my wife suffered horrifically from the dreaded schizophrenia and depression. Due to the lack of support, I too fell into depression. It was only through the compassion of my parish priest, Father Andrew Wong that brought me back to church. This priest, who continues to support us has transformed my whole life and I will always be indebted to him. Caregivers who do not have a faith will find it extremely difficult to care for a mentally ill family member.
The structural support for psychiatric patients and their caregivers is very weak and needs better support, for there are thousands out there who are suffering in silence. Let us reach out to them so that they can lead more meaningful lives. I am a volunteer with the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) where I often share my three decades of experience in loving and caring for my wife.
I am prepared to offer my services to the government and the church to change mindsets and enable the mentally ill and their family members not to give up on life. Together, we should be able to reclaim lives, save lives. For the road ahead for psychiatric patients and their caregivers will always be challenging, always uncertain.
People with mental illness just need one person to love them and with medication, support and understanding, they will recover. Someday, I hope that mental illness will be treated just like any physical illness.
Raymond Anthony Fernando
Singapore 560601
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Raymond's exciting 2nd novel- JUST RELEASED!
JUST RELEASED & SET TO BECOME ANOTHER BESTSELLER: The Face Behind The Front- Raymond's sequel to his bestseller, “Loving a Schizophrenic”
This true-life story is the continuing story of how Raymond Anthony Fernando is still coping to care and love his wife who has 5 chronic illnesses ( including schizophrenia and severe arthritis), through the love of Jesus. This book is also about how we can pick ourselves up and move on in life despite being confronted with huge challenges in life. Readers will enjoy reading this heartfelt story that will inspire them to stay resilient if and when they are faced with their own struggles in life. Join Raymond on his journey as he takes you through periods of desolation and celebration, triumph and betrayal, love and hate, faith and fate.
This true-life story is the continuing story of how Raymond Anthony Fernando is still coping to care and love his wife who has 5 chronic illnesses ( including schizophrenia and severe arthritis), through the love of Jesus. This book is also about how we can pick ourselves up and move on in life despite being confronted with huge challenges in life. Readers will enjoy reading this heartfelt story that will inspire them to stay resilient if and when they are faced with their own struggles in life. Join Raymond on his journey as he takes you through periods of desolation and celebration, triumph and betrayal, love and hate, faith and fate.
The book, which goes into 248 pages costs $20 has been released on 28th July 2009. Within 8 weeks, all copies of this first print run have been sold!
A reprint has be carried out due to popular demand.
If you wish to order this book, email Raymond at: rafcutie@singnet.com.sg
Don't wait. Order NOW!
Updated on 19th September 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Gone, too soon: A tribute to the late Michael Jackson, King of Pop
Dear Michael,
Your music brought joy to millions all over the world
And they include adults, teenagers and children – every boy and girl
When you're on stage, your unique slick dance moves
Has seen everyone put on their dancing shoes
Your music can unite people of all races
Chinese, Indians, Americans and others in different places
Michael, be assured that your music will live on and on
Even though from all of us, you are physically gone
As a young talented teen, I knew you could reach the sky
When I saw you sing along with your siblings as the Jackson 5
Everyone will continue to sing along to your hits
Like “Ben”, “I'll be there” and “Beat it”
Your untimely passing came as a shock
As the world mourns for you, Michael - The King of Pop
And I am deeply saddened to realize in 2009, June
Michael, you are gone... all too soon
Like Elvis Presley, you leave behind a legacy
Your music, your memory, so special
That even the blind can appreciate and can see
And as you are united with the Lord, Michael
The pain you endured will disappear and set your heart and mind free
Sincerely,
Raymond Anthony Fernando
@copyrightraymondfernando8/7/2009
Your music brought joy to millions all over the world
And they include adults, teenagers and children – every boy and girl
When you're on stage, your unique slick dance moves
Has seen everyone put on their dancing shoes
Your music can unite people of all races
Chinese, Indians, Americans and others in different places
Michael, be assured that your music will live on and on
Even though from all of us, you are physically gone
As a young talented teen, I knew you could reach the sky
When I saw you sing along with your siblings as the Jackson 5
Everyone will continue to sing along to your hits
Like “Ben”, “I'll be there” and “Beat it”
Your untimely passing came as a shock
As the world mourns for you, Michael - The King of Pop
And I am deeply saddened to realize in 2009, June
Michael, you are gone... all too soon
Like Elvis Presley, you leave behind a legacy
Your music, your memory, so special
That even the blind can appreciate and can see
And as you are united with the Lord, Michael
The pain you endured will disappear and set your heart and mind free
Sincerely,
Raymond Anthony Fernando
@copyrightraymondfernando8/7/2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Raymond's letter to the press: Temasek Holdings sets up charity: Mentally ill & their caregivers need help
Temasek Holdings sets up charity:
Mentally ill & their caregivers need help
My letter was published in the New Paper on Tuesday 30 June 2009, Page 19.
I refer to the article, “Temasek to give $2m to charity programmes yearly” (The New Paper, 26 June).
I congratulate Temasek Holdings on its 35th anniversary and I am encouraged that it is committed to supporting the community in Singapore through its newly set up charity, Temasek Cares.
I would like to appeal to this organisation to help the mentally ill and their caregivers as this group of citizens have very little support.
Persons with mental illness are shunned, isolated and discriminated against because our society is still not ready to accept people with mental illness.
We must change this mentality if we are to become a first world country.
If Temasek Cares supports the mentally ill, it can be instrumental in changing mindsets.
Indeed, persons suffering from mental illness can be classified as underprivileged and less fortunate.
They desperately need help from the Government and other successful organsations.
Looking after a family member with mental illness is an extremely difficult task and many caregivers have to give up their full-time jobs to focus on taking care of their stricken ones who require round-the-clock supervision. I am in this predicament.
I appeal to Temasek Cares to help us in our extremely difficult journey, taking note of the wisdom of Winston Churchill when he said: “We make a living by what we get. But we make a life by what we give.”
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Mentally ill & their caregivers need help
My letter was published in the New Paper on Tuesday 30 June 2009, Page 19.
I refer to the article, “Temasek to give $2m to charity programmes yearly” (The New Paper, 26 June).
I congratulate Temasek Holdings on its 35th anniversary and I am encouraged that it is committed to supporting the community in Singapore through its newly set up charity, Temasek Cares.
I would like to appeal to this organisation to help the mentally ill and their caregivers as this group of citizens have very little support.
Persons with mental illness are shunned, isolated and discriminated against because our society is still not ready to accept people with mental illness.
We must change this mentality if we are to become a first world country.
If Temasek Cares supports the mentally ill, it can be instrumental in changing mindsets.
Indeed, persons suffering from mental illness can be classified as underprivileged and less fortunate.
They desperately need help from the Government and other successful organsations.
Looking after a family member with mental illness is an extremely difficult task and many caregivers have to give up their full-time jobs to focus on taking care of their stricken ones who require round-the-clock supervision. I am in this predicament.
I appeal to Temasek Cares to help us in our extremely difficult journey, taking note of the wisdom of Winston Churchill when he said: “We make a living by what we get. But we make a life by what we give.”
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Friday, June 19, 2009
NURSING HOMES: Whatever happened to compassion?
This letter was published in the NEW PAPER on Friday 19 June 2009.
I refer to the article, “ One day's stay, one month's fee” (The New Paper,17 June).
I am disturbed about the plight of the elderly woman whose family was billed one month's fee for her one day stay at the Orange Valley Nursing Home.
People place their elderly sick relatives in homes because they don't have a choice.
The No 1 one priority for hospitals and homes should be to take care of the sick and lead them on the road to recovery.
This is what makes for a caring and compassionate society.
At a time when many Singaporeans are losing their jobs and finding it so hard to cope with rising costs, shouldn't the sick and their family members be shown more compassion?
With the sudden passing of Madam Tan Kim Hong, her family members should receive more compassion and support.
The family is in bereavement and they would need to fork out money for the funeral expenses.
So, please, let's learn to be more understanding.
I am also shocked to learn that the Our Lady of Lourdes Nursing Home does not refund residents the balance from the mandatory deposit if they chose to leave early.
Who makes these rules that puts residents at a clear disavantage?
All nursing homes in Singapore should only bill patients for the exact number of days that the patient stays in the homes.
A complete review and change of all policies on nursing homes should be undertaken so that our fast-ageing population are given better support and care.
Let us create a compassionate society where people learn to feel the suffering of those in need, taking the cue from what the Dalai Lama once said: “You are the people who are shaping a better world. One of the secrets of inner peace is practice of compassion.”
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
I refer to the article, “ One day's stay, one month's fee” (The New Paper,17 June).
I am disturbed about the plight of the elderly woman whose family was billed one month's fee for her one day stay at the Orange Valley Nursing Home.
People place their elderly sick relatives in homes because they don't have a choice.
The No 1 one priority for hospitals and homes should be to take care of the sick and lead them on the road to recovery.
This is what makes for a caring and compassionate society.
At a time when many Singaporeans are losing their jobs and finding it so hard to cope with rising costs, shouldn't the sick and their family members be shown more compassion?
With the sudden passing of Madam Tan Kim Hong, her family members should receive more compassion and support.
The family is in bereavement and they would need to fork out money for the funeral expenses.
So, please, let's learn to be more understanding.
I am also shocked to learn that the Our Lady of Lourdes Nursing Home does not refund residents the balance from the mandatory deposit if they chose to leave early.
Who makes these rules that puts residents at a clear disavantage?
All nursing homes in Singapore should only bill patients for the exact number of days that the patient stays in the homes.
A complete review and change of all policies on nursing homes should be undertaken so that our fast-ageing population are given better support and care.
Let us create a compassionate society where people learn to feel the suffering of those in need, taking the cue from what the Dalai Lama once said: “You are the people who are shaping a better world. One of the secrets of inner peace is practice of compassion.”
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Raymond's letter to the press: On curbing road rage on public transport
Hire wardens to ease tensions on crowded buses
This letter was published in the New Paper on Wednesday 10 June 2009.
I am totally disgusted to read of the alleged assault of 68-year-old Madam A Nyanamani by a young commuter, and the vulgarities that were hurled at her by his friend,(The New Paper, 6 June).
With crowd congestion on our roads and in public places, our environment is getting more and more stressful.
When people are unable to manage their anger and frustrations, innocent and helpless citizens become their victims.
Lately, there has been an increase in the number of crimes committed against the elderly.
The alleged physical and verbal attack on the helpless housewife clearly demonstrates that our senior citizens deserve better protection.
Stiffer penalties for crimes against the elderly will serve as a deterrent for those who want to bully our seniors.
This practice should be carried out on buses as well. Part-time bus wardens can be hired to help ease tensions on crowded buses during peak hours.
Such an initiative can also help to create jobs for retirees and those who have been retrenched.
As more people give up their cars and stop taking taxis, it is high time that our bus drivers are properly trained to handle tense situations that are likelty to occur.
It is imperative that our public transport operators take proactive measures to ensure that every citizen can enjoy a smooth and safe ride on our buses.
They should take the cue from what psychologist Arnold H Glasgow once said: “One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognise a problem before it becomes an emergency.”
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
This letter was published in the New Paper on Wednesday 10 June 2009.
I am totally disgusted to read of the alleged assault of 68-year-old Madam A Nyanamani by a young commuter, and the vulgarities that were hurled at her by his friend,(The New Paper, 6 June).
With crowd congestion on our roads and in public places, our environment is getting more and more stressful.
When people are unable to manage their anger and frustrations, innocent and helpless citizens become their victims.
Lately, there has been an increase in the number of crimes committed against the elderly.
The alleged physical and verbal attack on the helpless housewife clearly demonstrates that our senior citizens deserve better protection.
Stiffer penalties for crimes against the elderly will serve as a deterrent for those who want to bully our seniors.
Recently while travelling on the MRT during the peak hour rush, I saw its officers asking passengers to move to the centre of the car and advising those who take up seats for the needy to give it up to senior citizens, pregnant women and those who are weak.
This practice should be carried out on buses as well. Part-time bus wardens can be hired to help ease tensions on crowded buses during peak hours.
Such an initiative can also help to create jobs for retirees and those who have been retrenched.
As more people give up their cars and stop taking taxis, it is high time that our bus drivers are properly trained to handle tense situations that are likelty to occur.
It is imperative that our public transport operators take proactive measures to ensure that every citizen can enjoy a smooth and safe ride on our buses.
They should take the cue from what psychologist Arnold H Glasgow once said: “One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognise a problem before it becomes an emergency.”
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)