Let support come to families affected by microcephaly

This letter was sent to ST Forum but was not published.

The Hartley Hooligans' enduring love and sacrifices for their two daughters who have microcephaly, among other disabilities is inspiring. (Living with microcephaly: A story of two sisters, The Hartley Hooligans; 2 Feb) 

Both Mrs Hartley and her husband are believed to carry a rare gene which caused this condition. For up to 4,000 babies in Brazil, microcephaly is said to be linked to the Zika virus, which is carried by the Aedes mosquito. However, researchers have not found a definitive link between Zika and fetal brain damage. A vaccine may be years away, according to a World Health Organization expert. (WHO moves into high gear to combat Zika, microcephaly: Expert; 2 Feb) It is understandable that shock and fear is now rampant in more than 20 affected countries in Latin America. Zika cases can happen in Singapore, given how much people travel.

Every parent wants his child to grow healthily in all aspects. It grieves a parent to see his child in pain. Yet what do parents do when like Mrs Hartley, her one daughter after another was diagnosed with multiple disabilities? She said the prospect of losing her two daughters is far more daunting than living with their conditions. Though her daughters have developmental delays as compared to their teenage son, Mrs Hartley love and cherish them as the miracle of life, like any other children. In fact, the family becomes more united and fully experience the meaning of love; that is perseverance. Strong family ties are fortified in times of testing.

As a result, a society that is formed by such strong families does not disintegrate.

In perilous times like this whereby the world is full of bad news, I want to thank The Straits Times for taking the effort to find the truth and strength that is found in humanity to overcome the challenges ahead. In the end, it is not science nor technology that can help us to rise above challenges. It is a mindset shift that continues to focus on the value of each individual in contributing to the society, directly or indirectly. Like Mrs Hartley, my hope is that support can come to those families whose babies are affected by microcephaly or any other disability.