For eight years, 48-year-old Singaporean Hidayu Subir has lived with kidney failure brought on by polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary condition that also affected her family. In this interview with SG Lifestyle Features Writer Angela May Tan, Hidayu shares her journey through dialysis, the strength she draws from her family and the support that keeps her going.

SGLS: What symptoms first alerted you to your kidney disease, and how did the diagnosis change your outlook on life and the future?

Hidayu: Although both my mother and sister had already been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, I was still saddened when I received my own diagnosis. I knew the condition could be hereditary, but I had always led an active, healthy lifestyle and hoped this might delay its onset.

Watching my mother undergo dialysis, and later my sister, showed me firsthand the physical and emotional toll kidney disease can take on a family. Yet their resilience also gave me strength.

Last year, my sister received a kidney transplant. Seeing the freedom she enjoys today gives me hope and reminds me that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

My diagnosis has taught me that life does not always unfold as planned. More than anything, it has taught me to appreciate my health, my family and each day as it comes.

SGLS: What has given you strength throughout your journey?

Hidayu: My children are my greatest source of strength. Their love and support throughout my dialysis journey have kept me going.

Whenever he can, my son picks me up after dialysis when he is not in camp for National Service. My daughter constantly reminds me to prioritise my health and even contributes part of her salary to support me. They also make an effort to come home for dinner whenever possible. Their thoughtfulness means a lot to me.

On difficult days, I remind myself to stay strong for them, just as they have been for me.

SGLS: How has the National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF) support made a difference in your life?

Hidayu: NKF has been an important part of my journey over the past eight years. I’m especially grateful to my medical social worker, who helped me access financial assistance, which now fully covers my monthly dialysis co-payment. This has eased the financial burden on my family and allowed me to focus on my health.

I’m also grateful to the nurses, whose care and encouragement make dialysis less stressful. Knowing I’m not facing this journey alone has given me strength and hope.

SGLS: What do you wish more Singaporeans understood about living with kidney disease and dialysis?

Hidayu: Many people look at me and assume I’m healthy because I don’t show obvious signs of illness. What they don’t see are the daily challenges of living with kidney failure.

Some people think dialysis is simply a treatment that takes place a few times a week, but the reality extends far beyond the hours spent at the dialysis centre. Patients may experience fatigue and physical discomfort while managing medical appointments, dietary restrictions and lifestyle changes.

I hope more Singaporeans understand that many kidney patients are fighting battles that aren’t visible. A little empathy, kindness and support can make a meaningful difference and help patients feel less alone.

SGLS: As NKF continues its fundraising efforts, what would you like donors and the wider community to know about the impact of their support?

Hidayu: I am deeply grateful to all NKF donors and supporters. Their kindness and generosity help patients like me access life-sustaining treatment while easing some of the financial challenges that come with kidney failure.

I’m equally grateful to those who choose to become kidney donors. Seeing my sister regain her freedom after a kidney transplant showed me just how life-changing that gift can be.

Whether through financial support for NKF or organ donation, their generosity gives patients hope for the future. I am truly grateful for the difference they make.

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NKF will hold its Charity Dinner 2026 – Life, Reimagined on Friday, 16 October 2026, at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, with a fundraising target of S$600,000.

Funds raised will support NKF’s kidney transplant initiatives, including public education and awareness, advocacy for living kidney donation, and financial assistance for patients navigating the transplant journey.

Individuals and organisations can support the cause by purchasing a table at the Charity Dinner or making a donation to NKF. Every contribution will help give kidney failure patients greater access to transplantation and the opportunity to reimagine life beyond dialysis.

Find out how you can make a difference HERE.

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Interview by Angela May Tan, Features Writer, SG Lifestyle Singapore.