Despite the bleak turn of events in 2016, there is much reason to cheer as uplifting stories about the human spirit triumphing over adversity resonated with our readers.
Singapore saw its first anonymous liver donation this year when 54-year-old security concierge Mr Lim Kok Seng donated his organ to 16-year-old Lim Si Jia. Until then, all liver donations were directed by the donor to a known recipient - until Mr Lim broke the rules with his selfless act for a complete stranger.
In the west, three siblings made the news when they donated $500 to an elderly stallholder affected by the Jurong market fire that destroyed a market and coffeeshop. Even though it was a paltry sum, Trinity Ong, 10, her brothers Noah, 8, and Caspar, 5, pooled their piggy bank savings to help Mr Neo Chwee Eng, 81.
But our pick for the story that tugged our heartstrings this year is about two brothers struggling with a rare neurological condition that affected their mobility. With a reach of over 1.3 million people and 375,000 views, Kenneth's and Eugene's story of perseverance evidently serves as an inspiration to many.
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grongloh@sph.com.sg