Albert showed the nation how sheer determination led him to success

PETALING JAYA - In 1999, a young boy named Albert Wong captured the nation's attention through the pages of this newspaper.

Albert suffered from the muscular dystrophy condition known as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The disease is due to a genetic defect which prevents or slows down the formation of dystrophin in the muscle cells, without which the cells will degenerate.

At that time, there was a pioneering treatment option in the United States, and through the support of The Star's readers, more than RM500,000 (S$190,000) was raised to give Albert a chance in life.

People from all walks of life, especially students, rose to the occasion and did their own fund-raising activities for this good cause.

Although the treatment did not work, Albert persevered, and readers were kept posted on his developments through the years.

Over the years, Albert showed what a disabled person could achieve with true grit and determination.

He had, by circumstances more than by choice, become a public celebrity of sorts.

Albert passed away peacefully at his home in Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya, yesterday morning. He would have turned 26 on July 21 this year.

The day before, he had just completed his final 500-word abstract for his masters thesis under the supervision of Azmi Sharom (one of our columnists) at Universiti Malaya.

I have followed the progress of this young boy who grew to become a fine young man.

Read the original:
Albert showed the nation how sheer determination led him to success