Riz & Relax: A Journey With ALS Riz Sunawan

"You make a life out of what you have, not what you are missing." — Kate Morton

In this episode, Riz shares the ways that he remains positive throughout all his challenges in life, reminding us that sometimes we just need to look inward and also the people that are closest to us.

In this episode, Riz talks about the emotional, financial and mental benefits of having a support system, as well as how technology can further assist with disabilities. While support organizations and foundations are in abundance, the existence of one catering to ALS or MND is as limited as to finding a cure to this illness.

While General Election votes are meant to be a secret for many, it is not the case for the disabled community. In this episode, Riz shares his experience having to vote for the first time as someone facing challenges with mobility and requiring assistance. Biarlah rahsia...NOT!

In this special episode, Riz recounts his journey as one of the first few Malay language ambassadors appointed in 2010. In using the Malay language, his mantra has always been, "There's no need to be perfect, as long as you try to use it (the language)."

"Bahasa Menjunjung Budaya"
Original song by: Cikgu Abdolah Lamat
Lyrics by: Dr Muhammad Ariff Ahmad
Rearranged by: Megat Firdaus

The COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented, but the circuit breaker did not make it easier for everyone, especially for Riz and people struggling with mobility. Therapy centres were made non-essential, hence its closure meant that Riz was not able to undergo his usual physio and occupational therapy. Without any help (not even to NTUC or Sheng Shiong), life was pretty much lonely and a challenge.

Two years ago, the night before 1st September where he hosted an important event, Riz experienced his second fall, an early symptom of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a type of Motor Neuron Disease. This episode uncovers his journey from then on, how it progressed and his current state now.