Huang Longhao (name transliterated from Mandarin), 59, gave up his job five years ago to become a full-time caregiver for his son, who suffers from muscular dystrophy.
He walked away from his career, social life, and personal freedom to stay by his son’s side day and night without complaint.
Abandoning Career for Round-the-Clock Care
His 38-year-old son, Huang Weixiang (name transliterated from Mandarin), was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 15. On Christmas Eve in 2019, he was hospitalised for over two months due to a severe lung infection.
Advertisements
During that time, he was admitted to the intensive care unit multiple times and was in critical condition.
Recalling those difficult days, Huang Longhao’s eyes filled with tears. “At the most dangerous moment, more than ten doctors and nurses were trying to save him. Two or three machines were pushed into the ICU. When I received my daughter’s call, I held back my tears and told her everything was fine. Later, I broke down and cried.”
During that period, Huang Longhao spent 12 hours each day in the hospital room, watching over his son who was connected to breathing tubes. His heart broke seeing his child in that state.
From that year onward, he resigned from his job in facilities management and gave up income, friendships, and personal time to provide full-time care.
“Money can never be fully earned, but caring for him is more important. The only thing that matters is my son’s safety,” he said.
Five Years of Unwavering Daily Routine
When reporters from 8world News visited their home on 6 June 2025, the scene was deeply moving.
Huang Weixiang lay in bed wearing a breathing support device while his father tended to him with practiced skill. He took his temperature, suctioned phlegm, and massaged his body with calm and steady movements.
Feeding milk, administering medication, brushing teeth, and assisting with toilet needs and mobility are all part of Huang Longhao’s daily routine. He moves his son from bed to wheelchair at least five or six times a day, a physically demanding task he has repeated every day for the past five years without fail.
Advertisements
Huang explained that his son’s condition is severe and his body is growing weaker. Only his hands retain slight movement, while all other actions require assistance. For this reason, Huang does not dare leave the house for more than 20 minutes, even to buy food.
“There’s no one at home to watch him. If something happens, we wouldn’t know. Sometimes the breathing machine malfunctions, so I don’t feel safe leaving,” he said.
Being on call 24 hours a day and never leaving his son’s side — has he lost his personal life? The 59-year-old admits he has long become used to this way of living.
“I have no friends because I’ve been caring for my child. Especially with my son’s condition, I haven’t had the chance to connect with anyone. My priority is looking after him.”
He added, “To care for him properly, I’ve given up everything. Even my passport has expired. I won’t bother renewing it. It has been ‘dead’ for more than two years. When caring for him, I can’t think about anything else.”
Advertisements
A Hero in His Son’s Eyes
To Huang Weixiang, his father is not just a parent but a hero. In an interview with 8world News, he recalled his father’s words when he was critically ill in hospital. “He told me, ‘If you give up, I will give up too.’ That gave me the strength to fight on.”
“Honestly, I’m very touched. He’s like a hero. When I was in critical condition, he was so worried that he told his boss he would stop working. Since then, he has been caring for me nonstop.”
Speaking about his father’s sacrifices, he said with gratitude, “Really, all I can do is thank him. I have this hero with me every day.”
With support from the Tan Tock Seng Hospital Community Fund and the hospital’s Home Ventilation and Respiratory Support Service, Huang Weixiang has access to essential medical equipment at home.
These include a hospital bed, suction machine, and cough assist device, allowing him to stay with his family.
Advertisements
Community Fund Launches Fundraising Campaign
To mark Singapore’s 60th anniversary, the Tan Tock Seng Hospital Community Fund has launched a fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise S$180,000 by September 2025 to provide patients with essential daily medical supplies.
Huang Weixiang continues to benefit from the Community Fund and Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s home-based respiratory support programme. Thanks to this support, he is able to remain at home in comfort, surrounded by loved ones.
Those who wish to donate can visit the official website for more information.
According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore), muscular dystrophy affects approximately 1 in 3,500 male births locally, with most cases diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
Patients with severe forms, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, often require mechanical ventilation and round-the-clock care as their condition progresses.
In Singapore, government and community initiatives like the Home Ventilation and Respiratory Support Service have enabled more patients to receive advanced medical support at home, improving quality of life and reducing the need for prolonged hospital stays.
Advertisements
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
