“I’ve exhausted all options. This is my last hope.”

Mdm Salbiah and Mr Selamat have been battling immense challenges that have taken a toll on their health and finances. Mdm Salbiah, 49, has been battling major depressive disorder, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a weak heart for years. Recently, she was diagnosed with cancer and is awaiting further diagnosis to determine her treatment plan. Her husband, Mr Selamat, 58, suffered a mild stroke in February 2024 and now faces additional health issues, including pneumonia and declining kidney function. Due to his status as a non-citizen on a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), Mr Selamat’s medical costs are high, and the family has been unable to afford the necessary treatments.

The couple, once employed as F&B staff, lost their jobs due to their declining health. They now rely heavily on their two youngest children, Farhiszal, 19, and Farhisrus, 18, for caregiving. Their sons, who ended their secondary schooling prematurely, are now waiting for enlistment and are the primary caregivers for their parents. Due to the sudden medical crisis, the family’s world has turned upside down, and they desperately need our help.

How can you support?

Mr Selamat’s compliance with his treatment plan is hindered by existing medical debts, causing significant stress for the family. Ray of Hope aims to raise funds equivalent to 6 months’ worth of medical treatment and transport allowance to help alleviate some of the financial burden the family is facing.

$570 per month for ongoing medical treatment and $180 per month for the family’s transportation needs, enables Mr Selamat to comply with his treatment plan without the overwhelming burden of existing medical debt. This financial support will significantly reduce the stress on the family. Additionally, we aim to fundraise $5,773.45 to clear his outstanding medical bills incurred during his admission this year, providing the family with much-needed relief and stability.

More about Mr Selamat and Mdm Salbiah’s circumstances

The family’s financial struggles began long before their current health crises. Despite this, the family managed to survive through a combination of steady employment and government assistance. During this time, they were able to maintain a semblance of financial stability, meeting their daily needs and managing their household expenses. The assistance provided played a crucial role in keeping the family afloat, allowing them to navigate their financial challenges while working towards a better future. Mdm Salbiah has shown remarkable determination to improve her family’s financial situation by diligently paying off their respective outstanding debts with HDB and their telco company.

Barely afloat even with social assistance, their situation has worsened with the sudden medical diagnoses of the couple. Losing their jobs due to their declining health led to a significant loss of income. Now, they rely on limited assistance from the government, which is insufficient to cover their growing needs. 

Now, Mdm Salbiah is constantly worried about their financial and health challenges. She fears for the future of their two youngest sons, who are their primary caregivers. The worry of who will care for them after their sons enlist into National Service weighs heavily on Mdm. Salbiah. She is emotionally drained but refrains from sharing her worries with Mr. Selamat to avoid adding to his stress.

“I have Medifund, so I don’t need to worry. My husband is a foreigner and it can get very expensive. He has been refusing treatment because we cannot afford it.“ shared Mdm Salbiah.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, the family remains resilient. Mdm Salbiah has shown incredible strength and resourcefulness in seeking community support. However, they have exhausted most of their resources and are now turning to the broader community for help through Ray of Hope. By contributing to their medical and living expenses, you can help alleviate their financial burdens, ensuring that both Mdm Salbiah and Mr Selamat receive the care they need.