After witnessing his son’s successful recovery from an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) surgery at NHCS, caregiver Mas, a 49-year-old triathlon coach expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the NHCS team by attempting an ‘Everesting Challenge’ to raise funds for needy heart patients.
Coach Mas during the ‘Everesting Challenge’, with his family and supporters.
An Unexpected Battle with Heart Disease
Coach Mas’ eldest son, Mirza, was unexpectedly diagnosed with Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) – a congenital heart defect that causes irregular heartbeats due to blood flowing between the heart’s atria – during his National Service medical assessment in February 2024. An active martial artist and competitor for his school’s Silat team, Mirza remains unfazed and committed to his martial arts training in both Silat and Wushu, despite the diagnosis and the demands of A-Level preparations last year. Coach Mas proudly shares that his son displayed incredible grit and resilience, excelling not only in his sporting journey but also in his A-Level examinations.
Under the dedicated care of Dr Loh Yee Jim and team at NHCS, Coach Mas’ family navigated the difficult decision for Mirza to undergo an open-heart surgery in January 2025. “We were really touched by how the staff communicated with us in every step of the way,” Coach Mas shares. “From the Intensive Care Unit to High Dependency Unit, we were well-informed of Mirza’s recovery progress.”
Turning Gratitude into Strength
Having previously attempted an ‘Everesting Challenge’ in 2021 for his younger son who has epilepsy (raising $2,000 but not completing the challenge), Coach Mas felt a renewed sense of purpose when Mirza underwent surgery this January. “Seeing Mirza bravely going through the surgery and treatments, I was determined to attempt the challenge again. And this time, to make it count for other heart patients,” he explains.
What is Everesting? Named after the world’s highest peak, the Everesting Challenge pushes cyclists to repeatedly climb the equivalent of Mount Everest’s elevation (8,848 metres) in a single session. Coach Mas and his team achieved this remarkable feat by ascending Mount Faber 212 times over 21 gruelling hours!
The multisport community, Terai Melayu Singapura (TMSG), was a strong pillar of support for Coach Mas during the gruelling 21-hour challenge. “It was so heartwarming to receive continuous support from my family, friends, and fellow athletes,” Coach Mas recalls fondly. “They brought food and drinks, massaged my aching muscles, checked on my wellbeing, and even provided physical support throughout the challenge. Some cycled with me through the night while others ran alongside me in the early mornings when I was losing hope and motivation to continue,” he added.
Supporters cheering Coach Mas to complete the Everesting challenge.
After nearly 21 hours and completing 305km of cycling, Coach Mas was quick to share his achievements, “I would never be able to do this if not for my family and my multisport team. The victory was never mine; it was a 100% team effort!”
Coach Mas and his family after the challenge.
A Mountain of Support
Before the challenge, Coach Mas rallied his circle of friends to support his Everesting attempt by donating to the NHCS Heart To Heart Fund. In under three weeks, over 50 donors supported Coach Mas’ Everesting campaign and successfully raised more than $3,000 for the
NHCS Heart To Heart Fund, in support of needy heart patients. Every dollar raised would allow financially needy heart patients to receive the treatment they need without the burden of financial stress.
Giving back through helping others has been incredibly fulfilling for Coach Mas. “I wanted to pay it forward after seeing Mirza received exceptional care from NHCS. I am more than happy to be able to contribute towards a good cause, and I’m very heartened and touched by the kindness of everyone around me.”
When asked if he’ll do this again, Coach Mas quipped without hesitation, “I will do it again and again as long as I am fit & healthy!” He also leaves a positive and encouraging message to other caregivers: “Stay strong. To care for our loved ones, we must also care for ourselves, both physically and mentally. Keep up the good fight!”
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Stories from the heart
