S'porean student, 16, gets heart bacterial infection 1 month before O-levels, survives & gets 7 distinctions

Just like many students his age, 16-year-old Joshua Lee spent much of his time in 2024 preparing for his O-Level examinations in October.

His hard work paid off when he scored a raw eight points in his preliminary exams.

When he thought he was ready to ace his O-Levels, life threw a curveball at him.

He found himself fighting for his life in an intensive care unit just one month before the O-Levels.

Fought for his life

Lee, a Maris Stella High School student, was rock climbing with his friends to take a break from studying during the September holidays.

It was after this that he felt "unusually weak".

Over the next few days, he started having a fever, became incoherent, and started having hallucinations.

He eventually collapsed and had to be resuscitated in a hospital emergency unit.

While he survived, he continued to fight for his life in the ICU, where doctors diagnosed him with infective endocarditis (heart chamber or valve inflammation) caused by a bacterial infection.

Fortunately, his body responded well to treatments and was out of danger soon after.

While he stopped worrying about his life, he became worried about not passing his O-Levels because of the ordeal.

Persevered with support from loved ones

Lee said he wanted to start revising for the examinations again but was constantly feeling drained and disoriented.

He struggled to speak, let alone focus on studying.

But as soon as his condition stabilised, he was determined not to let the situation defeat him.

"It took about a week before I could speak clearly, and once I did, I asked for my books so I could start studying," he said.

However, it was no easy feat.

The frequent medical procedures and the toll of strong medications left him exhausted. At times, he could barely stay awake.

Yet, with the support of his family and friends, he pushed forward.

He said his mother, Susanna, who had her own health issues, stayed by him throughout the ordeal. His father also made sure to visit him every day after work — even when sometimes he just slept in the ward, clearly exhausted from a long day of work.

He also received support from his older sisters, classmates and teachers.

However, Lee said he often felt like giving up as having to cope with his medical condition, and the stress of studying was too overwhelming.

"I even thought about skipping the exams altogether," he admitted.

"But ultimately, I decided to give it my all, and it turned out to be the best decision I could’ve made."

Taking the examinations itself was also particularly arduous for Lee, as he had to sit for his examinations in an isolation room at school — with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line in his arm.

He managed to complete the 20 tests over the month.

And his perseverance paid off.

On results day in January, having almost fully recovered his health, Lee joined his schoolmates at the assembly hall.

"When my name appeared on screen, I was so happy that I started jumping together with my classmates," he said.

Lee received seven distinctions, maintaining his raw score of eight points.

His only B-grade was for Chinese, for which the exams he had already completed earlier in the year.

Lessons in strength

Reflecting on his journey, Lee said the experience taught him resilience, determination, and gratitude.

"I often wondered why I had to go through such a tough experience while others were at home studying peacefully. But now, I see how much it shaped me," he shared.

More than his academic success, he cherishes the love and support that carried him through — his family’s unwavering presence and his friends’ encouragement.

His mother couldn’t be prouder.

"As a parent, I’m grateful for the support we received and proud of the young man he has become. His journey is a testament to the power of determination and community, and I hope his story inspires other teens facing challenges," she said.

Looking ahead

Lee continues to monitor his health through regular check-ups.

Despite the lingering effects of the infection, including a cleft in his heart valve, he is optimistic about the future.

With plans to attend junior college and eventually pursue a degree in computer science, he is ready to embrace new challenges.

To those facing similar struggles, Lee offers this advice:

"It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or scared but don’t let it stop you from trying your best. Most importantly, don’t give up on yourself.

It’s natural to feel like your situation is unfair and to give up, but keep pushing forward. Even if you can’t give 100 per cent every day, give whatever you can.

If all you have is 10 per cent, and you give that 10 per cent, you’re already moving forward, and that’s what matters most."

Top photos from Susanna and marisstellahighschool/Instagram