Raymond and Lisa: A story of love and resilience

26-year-old Raymond faced a significant challenge when his mother, Lisa, suffered a severe stroke in 2020. This left her bedridden and dependent on constant care, adding to the emotional strain already present due to her husband’s infidelity and subsequent divorce two years prior. Raymond made the tough decision to become her full-time caregiver, leaving his job to tend to her needs. However, financial constraints made it difficult to afford essential medical equipment crucial for Lisa’s well-being.

How can you help?

 We’re rallying together to support Raymond and his mother by raising funds for vital medical equipment and supplies.

Currently, they are in dire need of:

•   An electric hospital bed ($1,850)
•   A bedsore-prevention air mattress ($373)
•   A stainless steel shower commode ($390)
•   A pressure relief air cushion ($76)

Additionally, we’re raising funds for ongoing medical needs over six months, including milk, diapers, bed underpads, medical supplies, and wet wipes ($761.50 x 6).

Your generosity directly impacts their quality of life and alleviates the financial burden they carry.

A journey of love and resilience

On February 15, 2020, Raymond arrived home to find his mother lying still and unable to speak. It was a harrowing moment. Rushing Lisa to the hospital, Raymond’s fears were confirmed: she had suffered a severe stroke, leaving her paralyzed, unable to speak, and incapable of making decisions for herself.

This tragedy came after two tumultuous years. Lisa’s husband’s infidelity led to a painful separation in 2018, worsening her health issues. With Raymond as her sole support, they faced an uncertain future. The divorce was finalized just a month after the stroke struck, adding another layer of hardship.

With nowhere else to turn, Raymond and Lisa moved into his sister Jane’s cramped HDB rental unit while waiting for the family home to be sold. However, complications arose when Lisa’s ex-husband disregarded court orders. He moved back into the apartment with his current partner, refusing to evacuate. Mother and son were left stranded, with no home to call their own. Raymond struggled to navigate legal battles while caring for his mother, leading to strained relationships and eventual eviction in May 2023.

Facing homelessness, Raymond sought help from social services. After weeks of uncertainty, they were finally granted a transitional shelter unit in June 2023. It was a small glimmer of hope in their darkest hour.

Starting Again

Since then, Raymond and Lisa have slowly begun rebuilding their lives. With social assistance, they’ve managed to make ends meet. Raymond is relieved that legal aid has finally been assigned to their case, bringing them closer to resolving their housing situation and obtaining financial independence.

Nonetheless, their journey is far from over. The medical equipment they rely on, including their hospital bed, air mattress, and commode, are deteriorating. After four years of use, the second-hand hospital bed’s controls, essential for adjusting heights for toileting and transferring on/off the bed, as well as for mealtime, have ceased to function properly. This directly impacts all the activities of daily living (ADL) functions that Raymond must assist Lisa with. Additionally, the air mattress originally paired with the bed has deteriorated, leading them to resort to using a standard foam mattress, resulting in severe bed sores. Furthermore, the commode Lisa relies on is showing signs of wear and tear, with broken parts making it unsafe for use, particularly in the shower. Social assistance doesn’t cover replacements or monthly medical supplies, adding to their financial strain.

Yet, despite the challenges, Raymond remains hopeful. Once the family home is sold, they can move into a rental unit and hire a caregiver, allowing Raymond to seek employment again.

Your support can help Raymond and Lisa continue their journey with dignity and hope. Thank you for standing by them in their time of need.