The Struggle

Mr Natarajan, 51 years old, used to be a healthy individual who worked to support his family with a regular income before he became a double amputee. He lost his left leg in 2006 after contacting gangrene. But the resilient sole breadwinner continued working as a taxi driver even with his physical limitations. Unfortunately, he suffered a brain stroke in 2014 while he was at work, where he spent most of his days in ICU. As he was recovering from stroke, he had an infection on his remaining right leg, and had to amputate his remaining leg so that the infection could be contained.

Making a recovery was difficult for the 51 year old, both physically and emotionally. From coming to terms with the fact that he could no longer articulate his words like before, to not being able to find any form of employment to continue supporting his family as he now relies on his wife for his daily living activities. Over the years, Mr Natarajan has lost his family friends, who gradually distanced themselves from his family after they met with financial difficulties trying to make ends meet.

Help Needed – Give Hope

Since her husband stopped working, Mdm Paramaswari started working to support the family. She shared that she has started working as a cleaner less than a month ago, and is expected to bring home less than $800/month. She had resigned from her job as a healthcare assistant as her workplace was too far from home. The couple has 3 school-going children who are receiving assistance in terms of their school fees in ITE.

Mdm Paramaswari told us, “Our SSO assistance ended 2 months ago. I try to work as much so I can earn more. I hope things will get better for us one day.”

Financial Breakdown

Ray of Hope would like to raise $1,200 ($400 x 3 months) to help Mr Natarajan’s family with their food and sundry expenses while Mdm Paramaswari settles in on her new job.

*Mr Natarajan is currently not receiving public assistance as it is currently being renewed.