It has been a couple of years since we were introduced to Aaron, and he has since become a dear friend of Will & Well. Elisa first got to know him through her brother-in-law, who met Aaron at the Apple store where he works as a Specialist. Interestingly, Aaron already owned one of our products as it was gifted to him from his friend, Sara Ann. This was heartening for us to learn because we always encouraged our customers to purchase our products as gifts for someone they know who would benefit from it the most!
Aaron is diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a condition which causes weakening of his muscles such that he now needs to use a wheelchair to get around. Like any other adult, he desires independence.
Elisa and Aaron kept in touch over the years, with Aaron sending over regular updates on his life. Through his updates, we have been privileged to witness his journey towards an independent life and we were able to play a small part in supporting it.
Taking a Bold Step Towards His Goal
In 2018, Aaron decided to leave his family in Canada and move back to Singapore in pursuit of independence. While he managed to obtain temporary accommodation at a residential home for persons with disabilities, he desired to have his own home and integrate into the community. Thus, he and his friends set up a crowdfunding campaign in 2021 to help him purchase a home with the necessary adaptations.
Some of you might remember seeing his story on our social media platforms, as we wanted to extend our support however we could. We’re glad to share that he managed to raise beyond his fundraising target!
(above) Image from A Home for Aaron.
The Next Big Milestone
Fast forward 1.5 years later, we were delighted to learn that Aaron had found the love of his life and was engaged!
Aaron approached us with a customisation request for his wedding outfit, and his friend, Sara Ann, separately reached out to us to say that she would be happy to sponsor a part of what he needed (🥹💙).
The Wedding Outfit
We made a three-piece suit for Aaron, including two different coloured non-wrinkle dress shirts and a bow tie.
During our consultation, Yan Jun (his then-fiancée) knew exactly what she wanted Aaron to look like at the wedding, so it was very easy for us to decide on the outfit's design, fabric, and style.
(above) Elisa taking Aaron's body measurements.
(above) Aaron, Yan Jun and Elisa discussing the customised wedding outfit.
MagSnap Shirts and Jacket
With MagSnap (magnetic buttons), Aaron could easily help himself if he wanted to undo the buttons for a more relaxed look. Moreover, given that it is a three-piece suit with multiple buttons on each piece, MagSnap made it easier for his wife to help him with dressing by eliminating the need for her to do up one button at a time. Instead, she could quickly snap all the magnetic buttons in place!
(above) Customised white shirt with MagSnap (magnetic buttons).
Elastic Waistband and Magnetic Fly
For Aaron’s pants, we added elastic on the back of the waistband to ease the dressing process for him and his wife, who assists him. The elasticity also allows flexible sizing to account for bloating and weight fluctuations.
Additionally, we used a row of MagSnap in place of the typical zipper fly to make toileting easier for him.
(above) Customised black and blue pants with elastic waistband on the back.
(below) Customised black pants with MagSnap (magnetic buttons) fly.
Thankfully, we were able to deliver the customised outfit in personal record-breaking time (less than a month!) so the couple could have it in time for their pre-wedding photoshoot in addition to their big day!
(above) Pre-wedding photo courtesy of Aaron and Yan Jun.
Aaron’s Journey of Faith
We have been very blessed to journey with Aaron and to witness how God has worked so faithfully in his life. It hasn’t been easy for him to transition back to life in Singapore, especially without a caregiver. Nevertheless, his drive for independence and faith has propelled him to where he is today – a homeowner and happily married.
Perhaps we resonate so much with Aaron’s story because enabling independence is a big part of what we do at Will & Well, so we get excited when we see someone who recognises its value and strives to achieve it.
Aaron truly serves as a role model for many of us, and we’re really happy for him and his wife!
(above) Photo of Elisa with Aaron and Yan Jun at the couple's wedding.
What Does Independence Mean to You?
Aaron: I define independence as the ability to live out your life to the fullest, barrier-free. The ability to live out your dreams. I want to know that I have equal opportunity as any other abled-person.
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