Brain cancer survivor Shawn Low starts Dream Drive
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Automotive business owner overcomes brain cancer and offers chance for people to fulfil their supercar dream
The doctors were not optimistic about Shawn Low’s chances of recovery from the relapse of his pineal gland tumour, a rare type of brain cancer.
Determined to survive the ordeal and get his life back on track, Low, 33, underwent spine surgery and eight months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy before he was finally given a clean bill of health by the doctor.
“I had no idea how long more I would live, how long it would take to recover, or if I would recover. But all I knew was that I did not want to die and I wanted my life back. I was scared but I didn’t show it and I’ve always been a positive person, never taking no for an answer,” he said.
Just a year earlier, life was going smoothly for Low – his businesses were progressing, he managed to buy his first Lamborghini and his relationship with his long-time girlfriend was strong.
Then just after Chinese New Year last year the doctor called to inform Low that there was a relapse in the ping-poing sized brain tumour he had at the age of 28 but overcame after three months of radiotherapy. Worse, the cancer cells had spread to his spine.
“I knew there was a chance of a relapse, but I tried not to think much about it and just lived life normally. Up to February last year, I felt that I was at the prime of my life and I was happy,” said the car enthusiast who owns several automotive businesses including sale of pre-owned cars, car rental, car leasing and a workshop.
“Coming from a humble background, I had a goal to own a Lamborghini and I finally achieved it. But it got taken away from me so suddenly, along with the rest of my life,” he said.
“Although there was a lot of uncertainty, I didn’t think of selling away my assets or businesses because I wasn’t allowing myself to be defeated by cancer,” he added.
To distract himself from the pain, he kept himself busy by thinking up a new business plan – to offer supercar experiences to the masses.
Calling it Dream Drive, he worked on setting it up after the doctors cleared him and operations officially began on 4 April at the newly-refurbished Suntec City Convention Centre.
Basically, customers pay between $171 to $788 for 15, 30 or 60 minutes to drive or be driven in a Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, or Maserati GranTurismo in the city centre and also on the expressway.
“During my treatment, I was too weak to drive and I didn’t know when or if I could drive my car again. I am lucky that I got to own one in this lifetime and I want to share the feeling of driving a supercar with others; the adrenaline rush is best explained by getting behind the wheel yourself,” he elaborated.
Life is back to normal for Low these days, aside from his busy work schedule, but he makes time to see a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner weekly and never misses his half-yearly check-ups.
“I want to let other cancer patients know that once you choose hope, anything is possible. Stay positive,” Low said.
