What happened to Mdm Sandy?

Mdm Sandy came to Singapore as a foreign bride in 1997. Her world fell apart when she got divorced in 2016, just as their daughter, Rae, was going through her PSLE. Mdm Sandy was stranded in Singapore with her child, with no familial support and income. With the support of Social Services, she struggled hard to bring her daughter up through the years. In January 2023, Mdm Sandy suffered from a stroke, leaving her unable to work.

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While hospitalized and through the recuperation process, Mdm Sandy accumulated arrears with a number of essential services. While the family has been trying to pay this off, they are still in debt with Singapore Powers for $1,800. The household is also struggling with bread and butter issues and would benefit from $300 of grocery support over the next 4 months.

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Mdm Sandy was deeply saddened when her 21 year old daughter’s partner left her upon realising that she was pregnant in 2021. This came at a time when her own health was rapidly deteriorating, requiring medical care and follow up in hospital with the Cardiology, Endocrinology and Gynaecology departments. The stress also brought on bouts of low moods and anxiety, as she is worried about how the three of them would make ends meet.

In January 2023, Mdm Sandy suffered from a stroke, necessitating care for her daily needs. The family’s distress compounded when Rae’s baby started becoming frequently ill with cough and flu. This meant that she needed more care and was unable to attend school – Rae now needed to juggle Mdm Sandy’s care needs with that of her own child. Since then, she has diligently taken on all flexi-hour work that she could.

 While Mdm Sandy’s health has stabilized over the past few months, she experiences weakness in her limbs and frequent breathlessness.

 “I want a better life than this for my daughter and my grandchild, but there is so little I can do for them.” Mdm Sandy’s voice was heavy with emotion as she shared. “They deserve so much better than this.”

Rae is hopeful that as both her mother and daughter’s health stabilizes, she would be able to find full-time employment to support the family. She also hopes that in the not-too distant future, she could go back to school and be a step closer to her dream of becoming a Social Worker.

* This family is on social assistance which would end in June 2023.