The Struggle

The physical and emotional task of caring for a special needs child can be one with no end in sight. Mdm Imah, 29 years old, is a resilient mother of 6 children (9, 7,6, 3 and 2), including a pair of 6-year-old twins. One of her twins was unfortunately diagnosed with multiple chronic medical conditions including Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 1 (brittle bone disease), chronic lung disease, Gastro-Intestinal Reflux, brainstem dysfunctional and is permanently on tube feeding. He is currently unable to be discharged due to the extend of required caregiving duties in view of his multiple conditions.

Although the child is receiving full subsidies for his hospital stay, Mdm Imah told us that it pains her that her child is unable to return home anytime soon to be with his siblings. Due to her extensive caregiving duties, she is only able to visit him fortnightly when the rest of his siblings are well and schooling.

Help Needed – Give Hope

While Mdm Imah focuses on her caregiving role for her young school-going children, her husband, 31 years old, works hard to bring the bacon home. Mdm Imah’s husband has recently switched to work as a full-time security officer a month ago, and earns only around $940 nett. With the confirmation of his position when his 3-month probation is up, he is likely to receive a doubled nett salary of $1,880. Although their children’s school fees are fully covered under the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) and they are receiving the School Pocket Money Fund for their transport and pocket money allowances, the assistance is insufficient as they often have extra-curriculum classes in school and Mdm Imah could only afford to give them $2 a day.

When the case workers met Mdm Imah’s family, the proud mum told us that despite often going hungry in school, her kids would always make it a point to save up a dollar everyday, just so that their parents can use their savings in case of rainy days. While Mdm Imah and her husband feels comforted at how sensible their children are, they feel extremely apologetic for not being able to provide their children with the best although their kids often tell them that they are happy and contented with what they have now and do not demand for toys or stationery.

Financial Breakdown

Ray of Hope would like to help Mdm Imah’s family by raising $1,900 ($380 x 5 months) for her children’s pocket money allowances ($80) and the family’s groceries expenses ($300). Your donations can give hope to a struggling family of 8!